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A transição de modais e transformações urbanas no Recife (1866-1957)

Abstract

The tram system was the main form of public transportation in Recife between the 1860s and 1950s, operating under concession to international private companies. At the beginning of the 20th century, automobiles gained popularity, and trams, once a symbol of modernity, began to be seen as obsolete, overcrowded, and constantly delayed. Factors such as difficulties in importing parts, obstacles in managing fares, lobbying by the automobile industry, and the impact of the World Wars accelerated the decline of the system. In the post-war period, the influence of the United States consolidated the prioritization of road transportation, and as a result, the withdrawal of trams allowed for the expansion of road space and major infrastructure projects, marking a transition to motorized individual transportation and altering the urban structure of Recife. This change reflected economic, political, and social transformations, aligned with the interests of the automobile industry and the discourse of progress, in tune with national and international trends.