Quito mayor sets conditions for public transport fare rise

The Federación de Barrios de Quito (FBQ) has rejected a possible increase in the city’s public‑transport fare, urging the government to retain economic compensation mechanisms that keep fares affordable. FBQ president Isabel Vargas called for coordination among citizens, local governments and operators, and warned that removing diesel subsidies could shift costs to users. The group highlighted recent bus accidents – 91 incidents with eight deaths and 68 injuries – and over 3,000 sanctions against operators, arguing that any fare revision must improve safety, quality and transparency.

Mayor Pabel Muñoz announced that a fare hike to US$0.40 will only be applied from 1 January 2027 if eight mandatory conditions are met. These include an integrated fare‑collection system, real‑time fleet monitoring, passenger information on routes and arrival times, mandatory driver certification, installation of security cameras, stronger vehicle inspections and visible complaint channels. Until those measures are verified, the fare will remain at US$0.35 through 31 December 2026, with the municipality temporarily covering the cost gap caused by the national diesel‑subsidy removal. Muñoz also said the city will assume operational control of the transport system within a year.