Ecuador introduces stricter invoicing rules and 25% bus fare rise

The Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) issued a resolution that bars owners of commercial road transport units from invoicing clients directly. Only authorized operators or companies may issue invoices for heavy, light, school, institutional, tourist, mixed and exceptional transport services. The measure is presented as a way to curb tax evasion, improve transaction traceability and combat informal and unfair competition, though critics argue it concentrates market power and raises transaction costs.

Separately, the Agencia Nacional de Tránsito (ANT) approved a 25 % increase in inter‑provincial bus fares from the Jaime Roldós Aguilera terminal in Guayaquil, effective 1 August. Prices on routes to the Sierra, Amazonia and northern provinces will rise by up to $2, with specific hikes such as Guayaquil‑Cuenca from $9.45 to $11.75 and Guayaquil‑Quito from $13.00 to $15.00. The adjustments affect passengers and transport operators across the country.