Hidalgo Increases Public Transport Fares by 20%

After a four-year period without adjustments, public transportation fares in Hidalgo have seen a 20% increase, a decision authorized by the Secretariat of Mobility and Transport. In Pachuca and 25 surrounding municipalities, the colectivo fare will now be 12 pesos, up from 10. This adjustment comes in response to persistent requests from transport operators who have been grappling with escalating costs for fuel, maintenance, insurance, and salaries, exacerbated by inflation.

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La Secretaría de Movilidad y Transporte, Lyzbeth Robles Gutiérrez, dio a conocer que este incremento a la tarifa se da luego de las solicitudes que habían realizado los permisionarios desde 2023, quienes pedían este ajuste.

Transport concessionaires had initially proposed increases ranging from 20% to 60%, citing the growing gap between service provision and the cost of essential inputs. The Secretariat, after conducting an evaluation, opted for a more moderate 20% increase to balance the operational needs of the service with the economic impact on users. This decision aims to ensure the sustainability of the public transport system while mitigating the financial burden on passengers.

Beyond maintaining service viability, the fare hike is intended to facilitate the renewal of the transport fleet, much of which is nearing the end of its 15-year operational lifespan. Concessionaires are now obligated to ensure their units are well-maintained, operators are properly trained, and services meet certain quality standards, such as avoiding excessive music volume and prohibiting smoking inside vehicles. This move is seen as a necessary step to improve the overall quality and reliability of public transport in the state.

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Para Pachuca y 25 municipios más, la tarifa pasará de 10 a 12 pesos.

From our perspective at El Universal, while fare increases are often met with public resistance, this adjustment appears to be a carefully considered measure to address the long-term health of Hidalgo's public transportation system. The commitment to improving service quality alongside the fare increase is crucial. The obligation for operators to maintain their fleets and enhance passenger experience, as outlined by Lyzbeth Robles Gutiérrez, Secretary of Mobility and Transport, signals a move towards a more professionalized and user-centric service. The ultimate success will depend on the effective implementation and oversight of these new standards.

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Con ello se permitirá que los permisionarios renueven su flotilla de unidades, cuya vida útil es de 15 años.