Colombia Approves Temporary Toll Discounts for Eje Cafetero Residents

A new resolution signed by Colombia's Ministry of Transport introduces temporary toll discounts on five of the seven toll roads in the Eje Cafetero region, lowering the price to 700 pesos for specific vehicle categories. This measure aims to alleviate costs for local residents but has sparked debate due to its limited scope.

The resolution, effective until November 1, 2027, when the current concession with Autopistas del Café ends, specifically targets residents of municipalities such as Manizales, Chinchiná, Palestina, Villamaria in Caldas, and Santa Rosa de Cabal, Filandia, and Salento in Risaralda and Quindío. The National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) will manage a prior registration process, requiring proof of residency and vehicle ownership.

While the discount is proportionally applied to all vehicle categories, only categories I and II will reach the 700-peso mark at the Tarapacá II toll, for example. Other categories will see a proportional reduction. The ANI will consider exceptional cases for frequent users residing outside the designated areas. The measure comes after community protests in May that led to a week-long blockade of the Tarapacá II toll.