The city council of Salvador, the capital of Bahia state in Brazil, is debating a proposal to introduce bus lines staffed entirely by women, in a move framed as both a public safety measure and an employment initiative that supporters say could strengthen the city’s appeal to international tourists.
The proposal, presented by councillor Hélio Ferreira of the PCdoB party to the Câmara Municipal de Salvador, would create bus lines managed by women, including female drivers, ticket collectors and security agents, while still allowing male passengers to board under rules set by the municipal executive. Its stated purpose is to increase security for women in collective transport, particularly during periods of greater vulnerability, and to reduce harassment and violence.
The proposed buses would feature distinct visual branding, making them easily identifiable within the wider transport network, and would operate on selected routes and at specific times, with a focus on high-demand or higher-risk periods. Priority service would be given to women, children, the elderly, pregnant passengers and teenage girls.
The proposal follows an earlier women-focused transport measure in the city that reserved metro carriages exclusively for women during weekday peak hours. That law has since faced a legal delay, and the new proposal will be judged partly on whether Salvador can move the concept from legislation into service.
One of the most important elements of the proposal is that the city government would determine priority routes, operating hours, the number of vehicles, implementation phases and a pilot-test period — meaning the final shape of the policy would depend not only on council approval but on how the municipal administration chooses to organise the service.
The initiative reflects a broader concern across Brazil. A national survey by the Chega de Fiu Fiu campaign found that 99.6% of Brazilian women have experienced some form of harassment in public spaces, and 64% reported incidents occurring on buses, subways or trains.
The next steps are a committee review, possible plenary voting, and a decision by the executive branch if the measure clears the council.