Tucumán and Quito consider public‑transport fare hikes

The city council of San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina, will meet on Thursday to debate a proposed increase in the urban bus fare from AR$1,250 to AR$1,700, a rise of about 36 %. Council President Fernando Juri said the request comes from the local transport entrepreneurs citing higher operating costs and reduced subsidies. If approved, Tucumán would join the ten Argentine cities with the most expensive fares.

In Quito, Ecuador, the Metropolitan Council’s Mobility Commission is reviewing an ordinance that would raise the basic bus fare from $0.35 to $0.40 beginning January 2027. The proposal also includes a temporary compensation of $1,000 per month for eight months to private operators, amounting to roughly $23 million, but officials have not identified the budget source. Council members raised questions about the lack of a clear technical fare calculation and the financing of the compensation scheme.

Both municipalities are facing pressure to balance service quality, subsidy cuts, and the cost burden on commuters.