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🇪🇨 Ecuador /Economy & Trade

Cuenca Bus Services Cut to 7 PM Amid Fare Dispute

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Cuenca's urban bus services have been drastically reduced, operating only until 7:00 PM starting Monday, June 8, 2026.
  • Transport operators cite increased operational costs due to the government's elimination of diesel subsidies as the reason for the change.
  • The city's mobility company is providing alternative transport via patrols and designated buses to assist affected residents.

Cuenca's urban transport system faces significant disruption as bus operators have indefinitely suspended regular services after 7:00 PM. The drastic reduction in service, effective Monday, June 8, 2026, stems from transport providers' demands for a review of current passenger fares.

The Chamber of Transport of Cuenca confirmed that all 475 urban buses will now cease operations by 7:00 PM daily. This decision follows the national government's removal of diesel subsidies, which has substantially increased operational costs for the transport sector. Operators argue that the current fare structure is no longer sustainable under these new economic conditions.

The reduced service has caused considerable inconvenience for hundreds of Cuenca residents, leading to longer waits at bus stops and increased reliance on taxis, with associated fare hikes. Despite the suspension of regular bus services, the Municipal Mobility Company (EMOV) and its personnel are providing support through patrols and specially designated buses to help citizens reach their homes safely.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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