THE RELEVANCE OF INTERCITY WATER PASSENGER TRANSPORT AT THE COP 30 HEADQUARTERS

Abstract

This study sought to identify the existing operational capacity and possible improvements that could promote the efficiency and sustainability of intercity waterway passenger transport in the state of Pará, during and after the Conference of the Parties – COP 30. The methodology used was based on a case study, composed of 6 companies that provide service in 5 connections belonging to the Marajó region, whose operations are regulated and inspected by the Agency for Regulation and Control of Public Transport Services – ARTRAN. The companies and connections were selected due to the tourist importance that the region plays in the vicinity of Belém. In this sense, semi-structured interviews were carried out in questionnaires made available on the google forms platform and technical inspections, with the generation of a specific report on the conditions of vessels and port terminals used by regulated companies. The results obtained showed that there was a significant investment by the state government in the construction and renovation of some waterway terminals. However, there are still many issues that need attention, such as proper compliance with accessibility standards. In addition, with regard to the operational fleet used by the regulated entities of the lines under study, it was found that, currently, there is already a high flow of passengers, especially for the stretches with the highest tourist visitation such as Soure and Salvaterra. Thus, it is necessary to expand schedules and invest in new vessels by regulated operators, and/or the entry of new operators for these lines.