Salta public transport faces collapse due to fuel funding crisis

Public transport companies operating under the SAETA umbrella in Salta, Argentina, have warned of a potential service collapse within the next five to six days. The sub-concessionaire companies issued a formal warning to Governor Gustavo Sáenz, stating that current funds are only sufficient to cover approximately five days of fuel purchases.

The crisis stems from unpaid debts by state agencies for services already rendered. Operators reported that debt for services provided in April exceeds 60 percent of the total owed. Additionally, a 12 percent cumulative drop in kilometers traveled has further impacted projected revenues.

If the provincial government does not regularize these payments urgently, companies may be forced to suspend bus services entirely. Such a disruption would impact thousands of commuters who rely on the metropolitan transport system for work, school, and university.

While SAETA continues to function for now, the companies have indicated that the coming week will be a decisive period for the continuity of operations.