Quito announces $5.5 million public bike service contract and upcoming $0.40 bus fare increase

The Quito municipal government set a reference budget of $5,553,625 (without VAT) to contract the public bike system QuitoBici for five years. Secretary of Mobility Alex Pérez clarified that the amount covers not only the 250 bicycles but also stations, technological platforms, software, and operation of the system, emphasizing that the contract is for a service, not a simple bike purchase.

Separately, the city’s council is moving forward with a proposal to raise the urban bus fare from $0.35 to $0.40 beginning 1 January 2027. The increase will only apply if operators meet eight mandatory conditions, including electronic fare collection, security cameras, route monitoring and integration into the Integrated Collection System (SIR). The current $0.35 fare will remain subsidized through 2026. Mayor Pabel Muñoz noted that the subsidy will continue only if measurable improvements are verified in the transport system.