Inovação e desenvolvimento na mobilidade urbana: desafios em Santarém, Pará.

Abstract

This research aims to analyze how the municipal administration of Santarém, Pará, can implement technological, institutional, and participatory innovations in urban mobility, focusing on improving public collective transport. It recognizes the city's challenges, such as spatial inequality, inadequate infrastructure, and inefficient services, especially in peripheral areas. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative data through questionnaires applied to transport users and an interview with a representative of the Municipal Department of Mobility and Traffic (SMT). The findings indicate that, although there are initiatives aimed at modernization—such as tracking apps and smart traffic light projects—a significant gap persists between institutional discourse and effective practice. The study also highlights the weakness of social participation mechanisms, despite the existence of formal channels. The main obstacles identified include overcrowding, long waiting times, and poor infrastructure. The research concludes that urban mobility innovation in Santarém must go beyond technological solutions, incorporating democratic listening processes and integrated urban planning, with a focus on equity, accessibility, and sustainability.