Neoliberalism and the emptying of the State in public transportation in Araraquara, state of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The present article seeks to investigate, based on studies carried out in the city of Araraquara, state of São Paulo, Brazil, the relationship between public transportation systems and urban development, analyzing the role of the State and of neoliberal policies in this context. To this end, a bibliographic review about Araraquara was performed, aiming to characterize and delineate the historical evolution of its public transportation systems. The analyses were supported by Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. It can be stated that there is a deep connection between public transportation systems and urban development, and that the government plays the role of an instrument in a neoliberal process of real estate speculation that affects the urban environment negatively.