The National Association of Passenger Rail Operators (ANPTrilhos), an entity that brings together operators of subway systems, urban trains and Light Vehicles on Rails from all over Brazil, is participating in meetings by videoconference with the Brazilian government to present and align aid measures for the metro rail sector in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. In recent weeks, meetings were held with the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and with the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES).

ANPTrilhos maintains constant contact with the Federal and State governments to present the claims suggested by the sector for the maintenance of the provision of passenger transport services on rails and the maintenance of the workforce.

The suggested measures are:

• Credit line to cover the working capital of companies in the sector;
• Rapid approval of investment projects for financing purposes through incentive debentures (Law No. 12,431 and Ordinance MC No. 532/17);
• Reduction of sector charges due to the calamity status;
• Exemption from ICMS taxes on electricity for the sector;
• Deferral in the payment of federal taxes;
• Reduction of social security costs;
• Reopening of the deadline for opting for the substitutive contribution to the social security contribution on the payroll.