Análise dos circuitos de produção, reprodução e subsistência do transporte hidroviário de passageiros nas ilhas da Região Metropolitana de Belém: uma contribuição para a revitalização do setor

Abstract

The objective of this research is to describe and analyze the functionality of the system of water transportation of passengers of the islands of the Metropolitan Region of Belém (RMB). We sought a theoretical construction based mainly on the approaches of Milton Santos, Pierre Bourdieu, the National Association of Public Transport, and Eduardo Vasconcellos. From this theoretical reference, the thesis explains that the conditions for water transportation in general are related to theories of division of the space where power consumption and income is what determines the spatial integration of individuals. And that therefore, the transport service in the Islands of the RMB, operated by the logic of the market, spatially excludes those who do not have that power. The knowledge of that reality was based on field research conducted in 20 islands of the RMB. We used the techniques of observation and interviews to explain the dynamics of displacement of the riverside population, identifying circles of production, reproduction and subsistence. The first two circles closely resemble the theory of Milton Santos of upper circuit, represented by Belem, and lower circuit, represented by the islands. The circuit of subsistence is born within the lower circuit from the strong relationship that exists between the islands themselves, as a strategy of mobility to receive aid for basic health, education and transport services. We used factor analysis to obtain a ranking of the islands according to the conditions of transport, and regression analysis to explain the demand for travel in the islands. The demand increases, basically, when income and population increase. Proposals for the revitalization of the water transport sector resulted in the identification of new transportation routes and improvements in infrastructure, piers and boats.