Collective taxi drivers occupy Garcilaso de la Vega Avenue and block part of Arequipa Avenue in protest against ATU closure

Collective taxi drivers took over part of Arequipa Avenue and marched along Garcilaso de la Vega Avenue, challenging the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao over the closure of the major Lima route.

The drivers demanded that vehicles serving as collective taxis be allowed to return to Arequipa Avenue. The ATU introduced the closure to prioritize the operation of the city’s bus corridors and bring greater order to public transport on the important artery.

The protest itself produced friction among the drivers. Some demonstrators objected as other collective taxi operators continued working normally, picking up passengers while the march and traffic blockade were under way.

Ronald Julca, a taxi driver affected by the closure, called for the avenue to reopen. “What we are asking for right now is the reopening of Arequipa Avenue. Arequipa Avenue cannot be privatized, it cannot be privatized simply for the ATU’s convenience,” he said.

The drivers said the restrictions harmed their livelihoods and argued that they mainly benefited the corridor system. The demonstration affected vehicle traffic on Garcilaso de la Vega Avenue and the section of Arequipa Avenue occupied by protesters, as Lima continues implementing measures to reorganize public transport.

“

What we are asking for right now is the reopening of Arequipa Avenue. Arequipa Avenue cannot be privatized, it cannot be privatized simply for the ATU’s convenience.