São Paulo Court Upholds App-Based Motorcycle Taxis; City to Appeal

São Paulo court strikes down ban on app-based motorcycle taxis. A São Paulo judge has ruled against a city decree that prohibited the use of apps to book motorcycle taxis. Judge Josué Vilela Pimentel of the 8th Public Treasury Court deemed the decree unconstitutional, effectively overturning the ban imposed by Mayor Ricardo Nunes. The ruling allows services like 99 and Uber to offer motorcycle taxi options once again. However, the city government has stated it will appeal the decision and continue enforcement efforts to prevent the service from operating. A municipal council committee is currently reviewing the regulations for motorcycle taxis. "The judge deemed it unconstitutional to associate the increase in deaths with the mototaxi service," reported Bruna Macedo, an SBT News reporter. The city's contention that the unconstitutionality wasn't declared is part of their appeal. The future of app-based motorcycle taxis in São Paulo remains uncertain, pending the outcome of the appeal and the council's review.