Puno Mayor proposes lower transport fares amid subsidy requests

Javier Ponce Roque, the Mayor of the Provincial Municipality of Puno, has expressed support for an increase in urban transport fares while arguing that a proposed rate of S/ 1.50 is excessive. He suggested that the fare should ideally remain at S/ 1.00 while the region awaits a response from the central government regarding fuel subsidies.

While the municipality does not set urban transport rates, the mayor clarified that his suggestion is a personal opinion rather than an official municipal tariff. He noted that the Municipal Council has paused discussions on transport ordinances to allow for further evaluation and dialogue with transport operators and the public.

Regarding fuel costs, Ponce Roque stated that a document has been sent to the Presidency of the Republic to request that Puno be included in fuel subsidy programs. He denied claims from transporters that the municipality failed to process these requests, explaining that current subsidy timelines apply to Lima and Callao, whereas Puno is still awaiting a response from the central government.