New rule approved in Senate committee covers air, land and waterway transport; understand how seat choice will work
The Senate Human Rights Commission approved, last Wednesday (25), the bill that guarantees women traveling alone the right to choose seats next to other passengers. The measure seeks to prevent episodes of harassment and sexual violence on public transport, reducing the vulnerability of the female public during short or long distance journeys.
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According to the approved text, the passenger will be able to exercise preference at the time of ticket purchase. The bill provides that, if the reservation does not occur in the acquisition, companies must make it possible to change seats before or after boarding, as long as there are seats available. The rule has national coverage and applies to air, road, rail and waterway modes.
The rapporteur of the proposal, Senator Augusta Brito (PT-CE), argued that the absence of protection mechanisms makes transport restrictive for vulnerable groups. The author, Senator Daniella Ribeiro (PSD-PB), highlighted that the recurrence of sexual crimes while traveling requires effective preventive measures. To ensure legal validity, the bill proposes changes in regulatory frameworks, such as the Brazilian Aeronautics Code and the Railroad Law.
The text now goes to the Inspection and Control Commission (CTFC) for analysis. If sanctioned, the new legislation will change rules such as the Brazilian Aeronautical Code, the Law for the Restructuring of Waterway and Land Transport, Law 11.975, of 2009 (road transport), the Railroad Law and the Law for the Safety of Waterway Traffic.
With information from the Senate Agency.
