Reports of Overcharging on Durán-Guayaquil Buses

Residents of Durán are denouncing excessive bus fares on the Guayaquil route, with some cooperatives reportedly charging $0.70 instead of the previously established $0.50. New fares are now displayed on bus windshields for routes to Guayaquil, Samborondón, and La Aurora.

The National Transit Agency (ANT) approved a 25% increase for interprovincial and intraprovincial transport fares on July 25, 2026. This new tariff, established by Resolution Nro. 020-DIR-2026-ANT, became effective on August 1, 2026. The ANT resolution introduced a 25% Tariff Adjustment Factor (FAT) to the operating cost structure, replacing regulated fares from 2021.

Citizens deem the increase exaggerated, arguing the fare should have risen to $0.62, not the $0.70 being charged. They also highlight that the quality of intra-cantonal transport service does not justify the higher cost. Passengers report buses with damaged seats, food waste on the floor, and a lack of air conditioning.

Users are urging the ANT to implement urgent controls on both intra-cantonal and city buses. Affected cooperatives include Line 17 of the Eloy Alfaro cooperative, Line 18 of the 16 de Octubre cooperative, and Line 81 of the Panorama cooperative. Meanwhile, Guayaquil's Transit and Mobility Authority (ATM) announced a scheduled inspection of over 300 buses from 40 operators starting August 13, 2026, as part of an ordinance regulating urban transport fares.