Notes on statistical issues in research on transport in Brazil (1950-1985)

Abstract

Created by the federal government by decree nº 57,003/65, with the objective of providing technical and administrative support in the formulation, coordination and execution the National Transportation Policy, the Executive Group for the Integration of Transportation Policy (Geipot) was responsible for publishing the first statistical yearbook of the sector, which brought data on the movement of cargo and passengers, in all modes, since 1950. The article seeks to investigate the methodologies, sources and indicators used by the body for the period 1950-1985, in addition to the continuities/discontinuities and statistical gaps, pointing out deficiencies with regard to the diagnosis of the country’s territorial complexity and alleging that errors in historical interpretation may have been made because of the way in which some indicators were available, especially in the area of investments. It is worth noting throughout the period analyzed the road transport surpassed rail transport in the country’s transport matrix (cargo and passengers), marking a turning point for the Brazilian economy.