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Chilean highway toll and concession negotiations

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2026-10-15 01:43 UTC → 2026-10-20 17:12 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Negotiations regarding highway toll reductions and concession extensions in Chile have reached a final stage. The Ministry of Public Works worked with Autopista Central, a company controlled by the Spanish group Abertis via Vías Chile, to propose a deal involving a toll reduction of more than 10% in exchange for extending the current concession period. President José Antonio Kast announced the agreement, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. The measure implements a 10% discount during non-peak hours and a 25% discount during peak and saturation periods, provided users pay their accounts within the first 60 days of the billing cycle. In exchange, the Autopista Central concession period will be extended by 20 months, moving the expiration date from August 2034 to April 2036. The agreement covers approximately 62 kilometers of highway, including the Ruta 5 and General Velásquez axes. The deal has faced significant criticism. Deputy Héctor Barría noted that benefits are concentrated in Santiago, leaving regional motorists without relief. Additionally, the NGO No+TAG described the agreement as a “burla” (mockery) that prioritizes extending corporate contracts, while politician Franco Parisi characterized it as a “bad business for Chile” that primarily benefits concessionaires. Critics have suggested the government should have sought unilateral rate modifications rather than extending the exploitation period. Beyond the immediate financial terms, the agreement has sparked debate regarding its social utility and long-term impact. Critics warn the deal could set a precedent for “politically motivated adjustments” rather than sustainable public policy. Furthermore, experts have highlighted the need for better governance of Santiago’s highway network, suggesting that the metropolitan system requires a more integrated management approach—similar to the Red Movilidad bus system—to improve user experience and coordinate payment systems, as highways currently remain among the lowest-rated services by citizens.

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