Quito changes pace as thousands of students return to school

At 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, Quito began leaving its holiday rhythm behind. School uniforms, backpacks, parents with children and sleepy teenagers appeared at transport stations before the day had fully begun.

The staggered start of the 2026-2027 school year brought thousands of students back to classrooms and changed the capital’s morning routine. At El Recreo station in southern Quito, some students arrived with guardians while older pupils traveled alone.

Many passengers did not know that special school express services were also starting on the Trolebús and Ecovía. A guide informed students and their companions about the service. Erika, who arrived with her daughter for a 7 a.m. school start, decided to use the express after learning about it at the station.

The service operates on five special routes alongside regular circuits. The first departures leave at 6:05 a.m., while the final scheduled services depart at 6:30 a.m. Students pay $0.17, and guardians may accompany them. Teachers can also use the units with identification, provided they work at an institution along the route.

Javier Vázquez, general manager of the Passenger Company, said the municipality had spent about two months preparing the return to school. The express buses do not stop at every station. Instead, they select stops connected to educational institutions to reduce travel time. At El Recreo, buses toward Colón leave at 6:15 and 6:30, with the later service usually drawing more demand. Vázquez said occupancy could increase the following week as all students return to their usual schedules.

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On the other trolleybuses, they are very crowded.