Paraguay's Alto Paraguay Faces 10% Fare Hike on Aging Public Transport

Public transport fares in Paraguay's Alto Paraguay region have seen a 10% increase, a move that has drawn criticism from passengers who point to the poor condition of the vehicles used for service. The fare hike comes shortly after the restoration of public transport routes connecting the capital to communities in Alto Paraguay, which had been suspended for over 40 days due to flooded roads.

The service, which links Asunción to Fuerte Olimpo and Bahía Negra, was paralyzed by heavy rains that inundated several road sections. The resumption of services has been accompanied by new fare adjustments, with prices varying based on distance. For instance, a one-way ticket to Bahía Negra, the farthest destination, now costs G. 275,000, meaning a round trip amounts to G. 550,000. Previously, the fare was G. 250,000. Travel to Fuerte Olimpo now costs G. 235,000 one-way, up from G. 215,000, making a round trip G. 470,000.

These fare increases place a significant burden on users, particularly those with limited financial resources, given the scarcity of job opportunities in the region. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the transport company, San Juan SRL, reportedly sends aging vehicles, often referred to as 'junk units,' on these routes. These vehicles are prone to mechanical breakdowns during the long journeys.

Even in Carmelo Peralta, which now benefits from all-weather roads via the new bioceanic route, the fare has increased to G. 230,000 one-way (G. 460,000 round trip) for the nearly 700-kilometer distance, up from G. 215,000. Public transport services to these communities, including Fuerte Olimpo and Bahía Negra, remain dependent on road conditions. Even minor rainfall can lead to service suspensions, and prolonged rainy seasons can result in months of isolation.