By Claudia Cataldi, International Correspondent
Intermunicipal transport in Rio de Janeiro has taken a decisive step toward the future. Under the leadership of Detro-RJ president Raphael Salgado, the agency has concluded a series of international technical visits that reinforce the State’s commitment to sustainable mobility, operational efficiency, and an energy transition in the sector.
With a career marked by responsible management, strategic vision, and deep knowledge of the transport system, Raphael Salgado has guided Detro-RJ along a path of innovation. His work stands out for the constant pursuit of global solutions applicable to the reality of Rio de Janeiro, connecting the state with the best international practices.
The trip to China, considered the world’s leading reference in the electrification of public transport, was a milestone. During a visit to the largest electric bus factory on the planet, Salgado observed cutting-edge technologies, automated production lines, advanced charging systems, and new battery models that are transforming urban mobility in major cities. Direct contact with engineers, managers, and local specialists allowed for a concrete evaluation of the potential adoption of these technologies in Rio’s intermunicipal transport network.
In addition to China, the delegation also observed in Paris an operational model similar to that of Rio de Janeiro: electric buses circulating on mixed traffic roads, without exclusive corridors. The team monitored performance, autonomy, operating costs, and integration of the vehicles into the local system. The French experience, renowned for its efficiency and service quality, offers essential parameters for defining technological transition routes in the State.
Findings from both missions reinforce the feasibility of transitioning to cleaner, more efficient energy matrices, reducing environmental impact and directly improving the quality of transport offered to citizens. Under Raphael Salgado’s leadership, Detro-RJ continues to analyze international best practices to support regulatory decisions, guide future bidding processes, and build a more modern, sustainable transport model aligned with the needs of the people of Rio de Janeiro.
The international agenda led by Salgado represents more than a technical visit: it reflects a concrete movement of institutional renewal, planning, and ambition. By bringing the State closer to the world’s most advanced technologies, the president reaffirms his commitment to dignified, efficient, and environmentally responsible public transport — a legacy that promises to reposition Rio de Janeiro at the forefront of Brazilian mobility.
President of Detro-RJ Leads International Mission and Positions Rio de Janeiro on the Path to Modernizing Public Transport