The national jurisdiction buses operating between the City of Buenos Aires and Greater Buenos Aires are set to experience fare increases, as announced by the Secretariat of Transportation under the Ministry of Economy. The proposed adjustments to the fare structure include two increases: one effective from February, raising the minimum fare to $650, and another in March, where the fare will rise to $700. This move is presented as a measure to guarantee the sustainability of the public transport system while aiming to enhance competitiveness in the automotive sector.

To facilitate public involvement in this decision, a public consultation phase is being instituted, which lasts for three business days starting from the announcement. Interested parties can participate through the dedicated website for citizen participation, highlighting the government’s approach to engage with its citizens regarding transport policy changes. While the consultation period is mandatory, its results are not conclusive, which raises questions about the extent of public influence in determining these fee adjustments.

The increases come at a time when public transportation affordability and accessibility are critical issues for residents of Greater Buenos Aires, given the economic context in Argentina. With the fare hikes scheduled, it remains to be seen how this will affect daily commuters and if the changes will adequately reflect the needs of the public while ensuring the financial viability of transport services in the area.