Infrastructure
GUIDE
1. Urban mobility and public transport
Fortaleza stands out for its mobility solutions, with the Integrated Transport System (SIT-FOR) and the Fortaleza Metro, offering fast and efficient alternatives for the city and metropolitan region. With sustainable initiatives such as the Student Free Pass, the city promotes inclusion and the use of public transport. Although challenges such as expanding the road network persist, Fortaleza continues to make progress in building a more accessible and integrated transportation system. Want to know more about the policies that make Fortaleza a world reference? Click here and find out!
Fortaleza has stood out nationally for its initiatives in urban mobility, seeking to integrate different modes of transportation and promote sustainability.
Public transport system
The company Transporte Urbano de Fortaleza S.A. (ETUFOR) is responsible for managing the city’s public transport system. The Integrated Transport System (SIT-FOR) allows for physical and fare integration at specific terminals, making it easier for users to get around.
The Fortaleza Metro, operated by Companhia Cearense de Transportes Metropolitanos (Metrofor), is an essential component of urban mobility. With a length of 43.6 km, the system serves various areas of the city and the metropolitan region, offering a fast and efficient alternative to road transportation.
Sustainable initiatives
Fortaleza has implemented public policies to promote sustainable mobility. The Livre Estudantil, for example, offers two free daily tickets to students during the school term, encouraging the use of public transport.
Challenges and prospects:
Despite the progress made, the city faces challenges related to expanding the road network and prioritizing public transport. The need to integrate different modes and promote accessibility are issues that are constantly under discussion.
GUIDE
2. Recycling and waste collection
Fortaleza stands out for its innovative actions in recycling and proper waste disposal, with programs such as Re-ciclo, which connects residents to collectors with electric tricycles, and Fortaleza Limpa, which aims to increase the recycling rate to 50% in eight years. In addition, Recicla Fortaleza offers discounts on electricity bills for those who exchange recyclable waste for credits. The city is investing in a sustainable future, but there are still challenges. Want to know how you can contribute to recycling in Fortaleza? Click here and find out more!
Fortaleza has implemented various initiatives to promote recycling and the proper disposal of solid waste, with a view to sustainability and improving environmental quality.
Programs and initiatives:
- Re-ciclo: A free platform that connects residents with recyclable material collectors. Collection is carried out using electric tricycles, reducing the carbon footprint. The waste is sent to partner waste picker associations.
- Fortaleza Limpa: A City Hall program that aims to eliminate garbage dumps in the city, stimulate the circular economy and promote environmental awareness. The goal is to increase the recycling rate to 50% in eight years.
- Recicla Fortaleza: A program that offers discounts on electricity bills to residents who exchange recyclable waste for credits. The exchange takes place at recycling points throughout the city.
Selective collection:
The city carries out selective collection of recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass and metal. There are also voluntary drop-off points (ecopoints) where people can dispose of their waste correctly. In 2023, Fortaleza recorded a recycling rate of around 6%, twice the national average.
Challenges and prospects:
Despite the progress, the city faces challenges related to the expansion of the road network and the prioritization of public transport. The need to integrate different modes and promote accessibility are issues that are constantly under discussion.
GUIDE
3. Environmental impact and sustainability
Praia de Iracema is becoming a model of sustainability with initiatives such as the „Nossa Iracema“ movement, which collects waste and promotes environmental awareness. „Nossa Iracema Recicla“ aims to reduce the impact of waste and preserve marine life, while the City Council is investing in the redevelopment of the area, creating more accessibility and sustainable infrastructure. With the support of universities such as UFC and UECE, environmental monitoring is ongoing. Be part of this change! Take part in the actions and help keep Iracema clean and sustainable.
Praia de Iracema, in Fortaleza, has been the scene of several initiatives aimed at sustainability and environmental preservation, promoted by non-governmental organizations, public authorities and the local community.
Our Iracema Movement
The “Nossa Iracema” movement initially emerged with the initiative of an individual who started collecting waste on the beachfront. Over time, more people joined in, forming a team dedicated not only to cleaning up the strip of sand, but also to raising environmental awareness. Currently, the group has around 50 volunteers engaged in these activities.
Our Iracema Recycles Project
Complementing the clean-up actions, the “Nossa Iracema Recicla” project seeks, in a creative and sustainable way, to convey an impactful message about the need for a change in behavior on the part of the region’s visitors and shopkeepers. The aim is to reduce the impact of human waste and preserve the beach and marine life.
Iracema Beach redevelopment
Fortaleza City Hall has invested in the redevelopment of Iracema Beach, with the aim of improving infrastructure and promoting sustainability. The works include the creation of passageways with urban furniture, landscaping and a promenade, providing more fluidity and allowing pedestrian access along the entire length of the beach.
Environmental monitoring
Academic institutions, such as the Institute of Marine Sciences (Labomar) of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), are involved in monitoring the environmental impacts resulting from the landfill works at Praia de Iracema. These studies are essential to ensure the preservation of coastal ecosystems while the city develops.
Information and those responsible
For more information on sustainability initiatives at Iracema Beach, those interested can contact the “Nossa Iracema” movement via its social networks or take part in activities promoted by Fortaleza City Hall. In addition, institutions such as Labomar/UFC and Laboratório de Gestão Integrada da Zona Costeira (LAGIZC) of the Universidade Estadual do Ceará (UECE) are responsible for environmental studies and monitoring in the region.
These joint actions between civil society, public authorities and academia seek to promote sustainability and environmental preservation in Praia de Iracema, guaranteeing a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.
GUIDE
4. Leisure areas and public spaces
Discover the best leisure and cultural venues in Fortaleza! Visit the Dragão do Mar Center, explore the greenery of the Rachel de Queiroz Park and Cocó Park, and take advantage of the urban beaches such as Praia do Futuro and Beira-Mar for outdoor activities. Don’t miss the squares and revitalized spaces, perfect for a day of fun and socializing. Come and enjoy all that Fortaleza has to offer and improve your quality of life today!ut more!
Leisure and Public Spaces in Fortaleza
Fortaleza offers a variety of leisure areas and public spaces that provide residents and visitors with places for recreation, culture and socializing. Below we highlight some of the main options in the city:
Dragão do Mar Art and Culture Center
Located on Praia de Iracema, Centro Dragão do Mar is an important cultural space that houses museums, cinemas, theaters and art galleries. In addition to the cultural activities, the area around the center has bars and restaurants offering the best of Ceará’s cuisine, as well as nightclubs to round off the day, or rather the night.
This is Fortaleza’s largest municipal park, stretching over nine neighborhoods, including Monte Castelo, São Gerardo and Presidente Kennedy. The park offers green areas, walking trails and spaces for recreational activities, making it a haven for those seeking contact with nature within the city.
Although it is a state park, Parque do Cocó is one of Fortaleza’s main green areas. It offers ecological trails, boat trips and picnic areas, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities and contact with nature.
Urban beaches
Fortaleza is known for its beautiful urban beaches, such as Praia do Futuro, which offers a wide stretch of sand and several huts with infrastructure to welcome visitors. The Beira-Mar waterfront is also a popular meeting point, with promenades for walking, cycle paths and the famous Feirinha da Beira-Mar, where local artisans display their products.
Revitalized squares and spaces
The city has invested in revitalizing squares and public spaces, providing more leisure options for the population. The renovations include painting, revitalizing the existing flooring or installing interlocking paving, as well as reviewing accessibility structures, such as ramps and podotactile flooring. There is also the maintenance of outdoor gyms, playgrounds and sports courts, which receive new walls and fences, as well as the renovation of urban furniture such as benches and garbage cans.
These public spaces play a fundamental role in promoting quality of life in Fortaleza, offering places for leisure, sports and community life.
GUIDE
5. Tecnologia e conectividade (Wi-Fi público, 5G)
Fortaleza is becoming increasingly connected! Take advantage of the many free public Wi-Fi points throughout the city, such as in squares and parks, with the Fortaleza Inteligente program. Easily connect to the “FORTALEZA_WIFI” network and access the internet free of charge. In addition, places like Shopping RioMar Fortaleza also offer free Wi-Fi. The city is also already implementing 5G technology, with speeds of up to 450 Mbps, and operators such as TIM and Vivo guarantee coverage in various areas. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take advantage of these facilities and always be connected in Fortaleza – take your business to the next level!
Fortaleza has invested significantly in technology and connectivity to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants and visitors. Initiatives include the expansion of free public Wi-Fi points and the implementation of the 5G network throughout the city.
Free Public Wi-Fi
Fortaleza City Hall, through the Fortaleza Inteligente program, offers several free public Wi-Fi points in squares, parks and other public spaces. To access them, simply connect to the “FORTALEZA_WIFI” network and complete a simple registration form, which can be done in advance on the wifi.fortaleza.ce.gov.br website.
In addition, places such as Shopping RioMar Fortaleza offer free Wi-Fi in all their areas, providing convenience for visitors.
5G implementation
5G technology is now available in Fortaleza, offering download speeds of around 450 Mbps. The city is among the capitals that have received authorization to implement the fifth generation mobile phone signal.
Operators such as TIM and Vivo already have 5G coverage in various areas of the city. TIM, for example, provides a detailed map of its coverage in the city.
With these advances, Fortaleza is moving towards becoming an increasingly connected city, promoting digital inclusion and facilitating access to information for all.
GUIDE
6. Parking and alternative mobility
Fortaleza está avançando na mobilidade urbana com soluções sustentáveis! O sistema de Zona Azul Digital permite maior rotatividade de vagas em áreas de grande movimento, como o Centro e Aldeota. Para utilizar, basta adquirir créditos por meio de aplicativos disponíveis na App Store e Google Play. Expansões para novas áreas, como a Praia de Iracema e Cocó, estão previstas.
Além disso, a cidade investe em mobilidade alternativa, como a expansão das ciclovias e o incentivo ao uso de bicicletas compartilhadas. As arrecadações da Zona Azul Digital são destinadas ao aprimoramento da infraestrutura cicloviária, apoiando uma cidade mais sustentável. Faça parte dessa transformação e aproveite as alternativas de transporte de Fortaleza!
Fortaleza has implemented several initiatives to improve urban mobility, balancing the use of private vehicles with more sustainable transportation alternatives.
Parking lots: Zona Azul Digital
The city has adopted the rotating parking system known as the Zona Azul Digital, which aims to increase the turnover of parking spaces in high-traffic areas. Currently, around 1,916 spaces are managed and monitored electronically in the neighborhoods of Centro, Aldeota, Meireles, Dionísio Torres and Montese. There are plans to expand to 19 other areas, including Benfica, Cidade dos Funcionários, Cocó, Edson Queiroz and Praia de Iracema.
To use the system, drivers can purchase credits through apps available on the App Store and Google Play. Each credit costs R$2.00 and the length of stay varies according to the area, and can be 1h, 2h or 5h. Renewal is allowed in some areas, as indicated on local signs.
Alternative Mobility
Fortaleza has invested in alternative forms of mobility to reduce dependence on private vehicles and promote sustainability. One such initiative was the Veículos Alternativos para Mobilidade (VAMO) system, which offered shared electric cars. Although VAMO will cease operations in November 2022, it represented an important step in promoting cleaner transportation in the city.
In addition, the city has invested in expanding bike lanes and implementing bike-sharing systems (Bicicletar), encouraging the use of non-motorized means of transport. The funds collected from the Zona Azul Digital are allocated entirely to Fortaleza’s cycling policy, supporting the expansion and maintenance of cycle paths and lanes.
These initiatives reflect Fortaleza’s commitment to promoting more efficient and sustainable urban mobility, offering a variety of transportation options for its citizens.
GUIDE
7. Lighting and public safety
Fortaleza has invested in modernizing public lighting with LED luminaires, reaching 96.13% of the city. Praça Portugal and the Vila do Mar promenade have received intelligent systems and improvements to increase safety. However, some areas such as Meireles and Benfica still face problems. Praia de Iracema also has a lighting system to ensure safety at night. In the event of faults, citizens can request repairs via 156 or the “Central 156” app. Keep the city safe and well-lit, get involved!
Lighting and Public Safety in Fortaleza
Fortaleza has invested significantly in modernizing public lighting as a strategy to increase the safety and well-being of its inhabitants. Replacing conventional luminaires with LED models has been one of the main initiatives in this regard. In 2022, the city carried out 516 lighting improvements, reaching 96.13% coverage with LED technology in its public lighting park.
A recent example is the modernization of the lighting on the Vila do Mar promenade, in Barra do Ceará, where new luminaires and poles were installed, as well as the pruning of trees to extend the reach of the light, increasing safety in the area.
In addition, the city has adopted intelligent lighting systems to improve pedestrian safety. At the Praça Portugal traffic circle, a system has been implemented that uses artificial intelligence to identify the presence of pedestrians, helping to reduce accidents.
To further improve the lighting and security infrastructure, Fortaleza City Hall has launched a R$4 billion tender for the management of public lighting. The plans include the complete replacement of luminaires with LED technology, expansion of the lighting park and modernization of the existing infrastructure.
These initiatives reflect Fortaleza’s ongoing commitment to promoting a safer and better-lit urban environment for all its citizens.
Lighting at Iracema Beach
Praia de Iracema, one of Fortaleza’s most emblematic tourist spots, has a public lighting system that aims to guarantee the safety and well-being of residents and visitors during the night. The luminaires are programmed to turn on at dusk and off at dawn, following the seasonal variations of sunset and sunrise.
Maintenance and Repair Requests
If lighting points are found to be out at night or on during the day in Praia de Iracema, citizens can request maintenance through the following channels:
Telephone: Call 156.
App: Use the “Central 156” app, available for smartphones.
These channels allow residents to register incidents related to public lighting, helping to maintain safety and quality of life in the region.
Opening Hours of Cultural Spaces Nearby
Close to Praia de Iracema, the Dragão do Mar Art and Culture Center is an option for leisure and culture. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 9pm. It is advisable to check the specific program of the spaces before visiting.
Keeping an eye on public lighting and using the available communication channels to report problems are fundamental actions to ensure that Praia de Iracema remains a pleasant and safe place for everyone.
GUIDE
8. Water supply and sanitation
Fortaleza has made significant progress in water supply and sanitation, surpassing state and national averages. Currently, 84% of the population has access to treated water and 63% has sewage collection – figures that reflect the city’s commitment to quality of life and the environment. Cagece continues to invest in improvements, expanding access to services and modernizing the network. Praia de Iracema, one of the city’s landmarks, has also received special attention, with projects such as the installation of public showers for visitors’ comfort. Do you want to be part of this transformation? Follow the improvements and support the initiatives!
Water Supply and Sanitation in Fortaleza
Fortaleza has made progress in its water supply and basic sanitation services, but still faces challenges in achieving universalization of these essential services.
According to data from the Instituto Água e Saneamento, approximately 84.06% of Fortaleza’s population is served by a water supply system, exceeding the state average of 70.98% and close to the national average of 84.24%. However, around 387,022 inhabitants still don’t have access to this fundamental service.
The Companhia de Água e Esgoto do Ceará (Cagece) is responsible for supplying water in the capital. The city has two Water Treatment Plants (ETAs): ETA Gavião and ETA Oeste, which together supply Fortaleza and part of the Metropolitan Region.
With regard to sewage, 62.85% of Fortaleza’s population is served by sewage collection services, which is higher than the state average of 29.6% and the national average of 55.5%. However, approximately 902,361 inhabitants still do not have this service, which represents a significant challenge for public health and the environment.
Plans and investments
Fortaleza City Hall has drawn up the Plano Municipal de Saneamento Básico (PMSB), which aims to diagnose the current situation and plan actions to universalize sanitation services, including water supply, sewage, solid waste management and urban drainage.
Cagece has been carrying out work to improve the water supply in various neighborhoods in the city. Recently, services were carried out at the intersection of Avenida Barão de Studart and Rua Rocha Lima, with the aim of balancing water distribution and reducing losses in the system.
Challenges and prospects
Despite the progress made, Fortaleza faces challenges in expanding the coverage of sanitation services. The city ranks 77th in the Ranking do Saneamento do Instituto Trata Brasil, with water supply coverage of 76.08% and sewage treatment of 55.95%. Cagece disputes these figures, claiming that 99.6% of the population is served by water and 67% by sewage.
Continued investment in infrastructure and the implementation of effective public policies are essential if Fortaleza is to achieve universal water supply and sewage services, guaranteeing a better quality of life for its inhabitants.
Water Supply, Sanitation and Shower Installation on Iracema Beach
Iracema Beach, one of Fortaleza’s main landmarks, has received special attention in terms of water supply, basic sanitation and infrastructure for bathers.
Installation of public showers
In August 2023, the Fortaleza City Council approved a bill authorizing the installation of public showers on the shores of Praia de Iracema and Beira-Mar. The proposal, authored by city councillor Cláudia Gomes (PSDB), envisages the installation of showers through public-private partnerships. The aim is to offer more comfort to beach-goers, allowing them to bathe after a dip in the sea.
Previously, in 2013, sustainable solar-powered showers were tested at Praia de Iracema, near the Ideal Club. These environmentally-friendly showers were a pioneering initiative in the region, aimed at providing convenience to bathers in a sustainable way.
Final considerations:
Although there are initiatives to improve the infrastructure of Praia de Iracema, such as the installation of public showers, it is essential that the authorities and the population collaborate to solve the challenges related to basic sanitation. The elimination of clandestine sewage connections and the proper maintenance of facilities are essential to guarantee environmental preservation and the quality of life of beachgoers.
Our Team
Ismail D.
Editor/Creative Content/Technical Manager
