The event presented the results obtained in the first six months of the free flow trial in Brazil
On Wednesday (13), the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) held a major event in the auditorium of its headquarters in Brasilia: the Sandbox Free Flow Workshop – results and prospects. The initiative, broadcast live on ANTT’s YouTube channel, brought together hundreds of in-person and online participants for a morning full of information on the results obtained in the first six months of the Free Flow trial in Brazil.
The general director of ANTT, Rafael Vitale, opened the event by highlighting the importance of the milestone reached in the field of the Free Flow regulatory sandbox. “I would like to emphasize here the fundamental role of CCR, which boldly proposed the sandbox to ANTT. The speed with which the process was carried out and the collaboration of all the teams involved, from both the Agency and CCR, was fundamental,” he said.
The figures presented were described as very positive, with plans to consolidate the information by the end of the year and expand the regulatory solution to all ANTT contracts, both new and those already underway. “Free Flow is a priority agenda for ANTT next year,” added Vitale.
The first panel of the workshop focused on the implementation of Multi-Lane Free Flow and showed significant results. Carla Fornasaro, CEO of CCR Rio-SP Concessionaire, shared the challenging experience of implementing the country’s first Free Flow. Operational since March 2023, the project covers BR-116 and the unprecedented concession of BR-101, which connects Ubatuba (SP) to Rio de Janeiro, representing an investment of around R$25 billion.
“We took on the challenge of implementing the first Free Flow in Brazil. It wasn’t an easy road, but it was traveled with a lot of committed people and a lot of success. It’s the first step on a long and very successful journey! We’ve done a lot, but we still have a lot to do,” he said.
Fornasaro also highlighted the pioneering spirit, state-of-the-art technology and innovation of the free-flow toll system. The solution eliminates physical barriers, reduces accidents and minimizes social and environmental impacts. The implementation of the project represents a significant step forward for the road and land transport sector, contributing to the viability of new projects and reducing defaults.
The second panel of the day dealt with regulation, new concessions and the prospects for Free Flow. The director of ANTT, Luciano Lourenço, opened the panel by highlighting the challenge faced by CCR Rio-SP and praised the disruptive proposal that resulted in successful joint work between the concessionaire’s and the Agency’s teams. Lourenço stressed the importance of involving society, the public sector and the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the project, pointing out that Free Flow has the potential to transform national highways and make concession projects more attractive.
“With Free Flow it’s possible to reduce tariffs and maintain investment in the highways. It was a job that was very well done and that involved the regulatory, inspection, legal, technical, technological and senior management teams of all those involved,” added Lourenço.
How Free Flow works
Free Flow represents an innovation in the automatic payment of tolls, allowing vehicles to pass freely without the need to reduce speed. Vehicles are identified by gantries with state-of-the-art equipment that recognizes TAGs or license plates. Advanced technology determines the fare based on characteristics such as height, width, length and number of axles.
The event provided a practical overview of the benefits and challenges of Free Flow in the national context, with the experimental test taking place between Ubatuba/SP and Rio de Janeiro/RJ. As well as presenting the results, the workshop opened up space for constructive debates on the prospects for Free Flow as a toll collection model on federal highways granted throughout the country.
The “Sandbox Free Flow Workshop” presented results and perspectives, and was a unique opportunity to witness and participate in a historic transformation of Brazilian roads.
“The innovation proposed by Free Flow promises to revolutionize the toll payment system, as well as improving the user experience and efficiency in highway management. The future of road concessions in Brazil is undoubtedly shaped by the success of Free Flow,” concluded director Luciano Lourenço.
The workshop was broadcast live on our YouTube channel. Watch it in full!
Source: ANTT(Special Communications Office)
