Quito and Bogotá implement new public transport oversight measures

Municipal mobility authorities in Quito and Bogotá are implementing new strategies to improve public transportation oversight and passenger safety.

In Quito, the Secretaría de Movilidad has deployed “undercover passengers” to monitor bus services. These inspectors board vehicles as regular commuters to observe whether drivers respect authorized routes, designated stops, and traffic regulations. This unannounced supervision aims to detect infractions that might be missed during conventional controls. The initiative comes as the city prepares for a fare increase to USD 0.40 in 2027, which will be contingent upon improvements in service quality.

In Bogotá, the Secretaría Distrital de Movilidad is installing QR codes on taxi fleets, including traditional yellow taxis and electric units. This digital identification allows passengers to scan a sticker to verify the driver’s identity, current permits, and vehicle documentation in real time. The rollout is being conducted at high-traffic locations such as El Dorado International Airport and the El Salitre transport terminal to increase transparency and security within the formal transport network.