'Sardine can': bus overcrowding and delays complicate life in Araras, SP Residents of Araras (SP) face a routine of delays and overcrowding in urban public transport. The problem, which has been going on for years, worsened significantly this week with buses traveling above capacity and drivers passing directly through bus stops. With a deficit of 30 drivers, Transporte Coletivo de Araras (TCA) is studying an emergency selection process to hire professionals. (See positioning below). ? Follow g1 São Carlos and Araraquara on Instagram "The buses that passed on Monday and Tuesday were full, two buses passed in one hour full of people and didn't stop. Practically a can of sardines," said public servant Roni Almeida. Overcrowding problem Overcrowded buses in Araras (SP) create inconvenience for passengers Wesley Almeida/EPTV In addition to the delays, those who depend on the service report apprehension about the overcrowding. "We have been facing this difficulty since 2022. The buses are full, they don't even stop at the stop because there are already a large number of passengers or the bus breaks down and we end up missing our commitments, such as work, study", said public servant Pietra Mia Silvério. More news from the region: MOURNING: Dear and smiling: Who was Emelly de Lima, a dentist who died after an accident in the interior of SP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: see DDMs and other places to seek help in cities in the interior of SP IRREGULAR DISPOSAL: 'Horrible scene': VIDEO shows hundreds of Styrofoam lunchboxes thrown on a rural road "Often when it's crowded, there's no way to even get on the bus because it's up to the passenger door. This is worrying because we are afraid of braking, having a problem with the door lock, or someone falling", said Pietra. Crowded bus in Araras (SP) creates inconvenience for passengers Wesley Almeida/EPTV To avoid delays at stops, the alternative ends up weighing on the pockets of workers, who end up paying up to three times more for private trips. "Take it out of your pocket. Little respect for the population, very little shame, we pay taxes", said caregiver Daiane do Amaral Barco. See the full EPTV1 report: Users report delays and crowded buses in Araras public transport Lack of drivers affects fleet According to the president of Araras Public Transport (TCA), Luiz Antônio Viganó, operational problems occur due to a lack of labor and not due to a shortage of vehicles in the fleet. "Today we have a shortage of nine drivers, and by the end of the month the forecast is that three more drivers will be leaving," he explained. According to the manager, the operation requires at least 30 professionals to regularize service on urban and school lines. As a temporary solution, the TCA plans to carry out an emergency selection process. Residents face crowded buses in Araras (SP) Wesley Almeida/EPTV "If it's a selection process, I believe that within 15, 20 days we can prepare it. The public competition is already something that takes a little longer. I believe that within two, three months we will be able to do it," said Viganó. While the selection process is not carried out, the municipality is considering requesting the return of six drivers assigned to other municipal departments to try to mitigate delays during peak hours. EPTV VIDEOS: See more news from the region on g1 São Carlos and Araraquara