UNSAAC Students Take Over University Campus Amid Protests Over Fare Hikes in Cusco

In Cusco, Peru, the streets are once again echoing with the voices of discontented students. The National University of San Antonio Abad of Cusco (UNSAAC) finds its campus occupied, a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle against what students perceive as unfair hikes in urban transport fares. This action, involving the occupation of the Perayoq university city and the blocking of Avenida La Cultura, underscores the depth of frustration among the student body.

Our reporting highlights that the core of the protest lies in the alleged breach of agreements by transport companies. Students claim that promises to maintain fares at S/0.50 for students and half-fare services have been broken. Beyond the financial aspect, there are serious allegations of mistreatment by drivers and conductors, pointing to a systemic lack of oversight in the urban transport service. This situation is not merely an inconvenience; it represents a daily battle for many students who rely on these services.

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The protesters denounced that various transport companies have failed to comply with the agreements reached in the last session of the Provincial Committee for Citizen Security, where they committed to maintaining the half-fare and the school fare at S/0.50.

The students' decision to radicalize their measures, including taking over the campus, signals a demand for immediate attention and resolution. While the avenue blockade was eventually lifted, the campus remains under student control, indicating a resolve to continue the pressure until their demands are met. The situation is dynamic, with evaluations planned for the potential reopening of the campus, but the underlying issues remain unresolved.

This protest is a clear manifestation of how local issues, like the cost of transportation and the quality of service, can ignite significant public action. It reflects a demand for accountability from both transport operators and the authorities responsible for regulating the sector. From Cusco's perspective, this is about basic rights and fair treatment, issues that resonate deeply within the community and demand a swift and just response.

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Furthermore, the students assured that they continue to be victims of mistreatment by drivers and collectors, a situation that—they affirm—evidences the lack of oversight in the urban transport service.