Lesson 7:

Rio de Janeiro Traffic Problems

What you should know by the end of this lesson:

Be able to explain the main reasons for traffic congestion in Rio de Janeiro

Background

RIO DE JANEIRO is one of the world's 10 worst cities for traffic congestion.

Brazil is investing in expanding metros and improving road infrastructure as it works to cut down on Rio's infamous congestion.

As with most major cities in the developing world, Rio suffers major problems from traffic congestion.

The number of cars in Rio has grown by over 40% in the last decade and traffic congestion is an increasing problem.

Recap video from Edinburgh

Traffic Problems Worksheet

Information worksheet

Using colours can help your work stand out and be separate from each other. This is also useful to help your brain remember it better. You need to be aware of the causes of problems and the impacts these problems can bring!

Digital Workbook and Paper Jotter

Collect your blank handout of the pollution problems
Using this page & your handouts fill in information about traffic problems in Rio – use coloured pens

A Natural Bottle Neck

Cause: Rio is surrounded by mountains. A large volume of traffic is therefore forced along a few main roads in the city causing severe congestion, noise, and air pollution.

Impact: Forcing traffic through the city rather than around it has meant a 50% longer drive through the city at peak times. The 40% increase in road traffic over the last 10 years has meant more congestion.

Public Transport - Busses

The main form of transport in Rio - 4 million passengers a day has meant that the system is unable to cope.

This caused 2013 protests against poor quality buses that are not frequent enough, with fears over safety at night, resulting in real unrest amongst users.

Air conditioning is rare, and temperatures are regularly above 30oC which can cause dehydration and fainting.

Rio Niteroi Bridge

Although it saves an 80km round trip, its 14km length means that there are huge congestion problems, especially bottlenecks at either end.

Breakdowns on the bridge as old cars overheat means long delays for commuters, decreasing productivity. For those on public transport, they can be forced to stand in overcrowded busses the whole time.

Yellow Line Expressway

Connects Barra da Tijuca in the West Zone with Rio’s North Zone and the international airport

Carries 70,000 vehicles a day which is 13,000 more than expected - congestion and delays are inevitable.

High building costs mean that it is a toll road that is not popular with commuters.

Accidents

The streets & roads are poorly maintained and there is a lack of traffic lights which makes walking or cycling dangerous.

Vehicles frequently run red lights and can often be a case of might is right (the bigger the car the more dominance on the roads). Accidents are common with around 700 traffic-related fatalities per year.

Extra information!

This would be a typical exam style question for this topic:

For a developing world city you have studied, discuss the reasons for the traffic problems the city faces on a daily basis. (10 marks)

HOWEVER

The wording of the question could also be: “the need for traffic management” or “the need for change” which always refers to “why are there problems of traffic in Rio de Janeiro”.

You could also be asked to discuss the NEED for change, which you want to ensure you highlight the impacts of the traffic challenges, such as increased fatalities and reduction in productivity.