Bolivian transport unions and regulators deadlocked over fare hikes

Negotiations between the Bolivian Telecommunications and Transport Regulation Authority (ATT) and transport unions regarding interdepartmental fare increases remain deadlocked. The ATT has proposed a transitory 15% increase based on cost analyses, while transport operators are demanding a 45% hike to cover rising operational expenses.

Transport leaders, including Richard Martínez, cite the rising costs of diesel, tires, batteries, and spare parts—some of which they claim have increased by up to 300%—as the primary drivers for the higher demand. The ATT has stated that the 45% request lacks sufficient technical documentation to justify such a significant jump, though they remain open to reviewing additional data.

In a related development, urban transport executives have warned that if gasoline subsidies are removed, fare updates will be necessary across all transport modalities, including urban, interprovincial, and regional services. Limberth Tancara, a national transport executive, noted that current rates are often based on outdated studies from 2016 and called for updated technical cost studies to reflect current economic realities.