Santa Cruz de la Sierra maintains transport fares amid diesel subsidy removal

Urban transport fares in Santa Cruz de la Sierra will remain at Bs 3 for the time being, according to an agreement between the Mayor's Office and transport leaders. This decision follows the government's removal of diesel subsidies, which has caused fuel prices to rise from Bs 9.80 to Bs 17.95 per liter.

Mayor Carlos Manuel “Mamén” Saavedra announced that the municipality will hire a consultancy to conduct a technical cost study to determine if a fare increase is necessary to reflect real operating costs. The results of this study are expected within 40 to 45 days. To mitigate the impact, the city is exploring options such as tax incentives or transitioning vehicles to different energy matrices.

However, transport leaders have expressed significant concern. Mario Guerrero, leader of the Santa Cruz Bus Union, stated that over 4,000 diesel-powered vehicles may be unable to operate due to the unsustainable cost structure. Guerrero argued that the transport sector cannot wait 45 days for a technical study while facing immediate financial pressure.