Venezuela raises minimum urban transport fare to 190 bolívares (≈$0.25)

The minimum fare for urban transport in Venezuela has been increased to 190 bolívares, roughly 0.25 US dollars at the official exchange rate, effective this Saturday. The change follows an indexation mechanism agreed between the national government and the transport sector, which ties the fare to the official dollar rate and mandates monthly adjustments. Nelson Vivas, president of the Civil Association of Drivers in La India, noted the increase was delayed from July 1 due to the June 24 earthquakes that hit Caracas and La Guaira.

In the state of Mérida, a related adjustment took effect on August 1, setting the short‑route fare at 200 bolívares on weekdays and adding a 40‑bolívar surcharge on Sundays and holidays. Long‑route fares will vary proportionally with distance. Both measures aim to offset the severe devaluation of the bolívar and rising costs for operators, while commuters express concern over the impact on household budgets.