Skyscrapers in Boa Viagem, a neighborhood in Recife. Photo by Wander Amorim.

Recife is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Brazil, with more than 3.7 million residents, of whom 1.5 million live within city limits. The city’s international airport and two seaports make it a major hub for transport both across Brazil and internationally.

Recife’s urban transport, however, suffers from the same problem as other large Brazilian cities: an uncoordinated bus network that moves slowly and contributes to air pollution. However, Recife is moving forward on major transit projects to develop a more sustainable transport system. The city’s metro, currently under construction, will be the second-longest in Brazil once completed and will be closely integrated with a number of bus lines.

EMBARQ is engaged in a number of projects in Recife. EMBARQ used its BRT Simulator to improve two critical bus stations in downtown Recife and co-sponsored the "Active Cities, Healthy Cities" contest, which recognized Recife’s City Academy program to promote physical activity in low-income neighborhoods.