Ecuadorian cities Quito and Guayaquil debate public transport fare hikes

In Quito's rural parishes, a draft ordinance presented by Mayor Pabel Muñoz would raise the base fare from 35 to 40 cents and retain a distance‑based component. Residents of Tumbaco, Pifo, Collaquí and El Quinche say the increase would add up to $2 for longer trips and strain household budgets. Community leaders also criticize lingering problems such as old buses, irregular schedules and speed excess after the 2022 fare adjustment. Mobility Secretary Álex Pérez affirmed the methodology would stay the same, while the Observatory of Mobility called for a comprehensive technical study before any change.

In Guayaquil, the municipal council is set to debate an ordinance on 25 June that keeps the general fare at $0.30 but introduces an executive fare of up to $0.45 and a compensation mechanism of $1,134 per month for vehicle owners for 180 days. Technical studies had estimated a needed fare of 45‑50 cents to cover operating costs. The ordinance also mandates that all operators adopt electronic fare‑collection within 180 days of its entry into force.