Ecuadorian cities face new service fees and parking regulations

In Manta, parents have raised concerns regarding high rental fees for children's strollers at the Megaparque. Reports indicate that renting a stroller costs $9 per hour, a rate that some residents find excessive compared to other local venues, such as Mall del Pacífico, where the same service costs $2 per hour. Families are calling for local authorities to review and regulate these service tariffs to prevent high costs for recreational activities.

In Guayaquil, a new municipal ordinance will introduce paid parking in the city center, with parking meters set at a rate of $1 per hour. While the ordinance aims to organize public space, it has raised questions regarding the future of informal vehicle caretakers. The municipal council is tasked with determining how these individuals will be integrated into the new system or if they will be displaced, highlighting the need for clear regulations to manage both parking and the livelihoods of those currently occupying the space.