December 2, 2024, 6:00 AM
December 2, 2024, 6:00 AM
The transporters of the public passenger service of Santa Cruz remain firm and confirmed that since This Monday they will start a indefinite strike that leaves the population without bus service, to demand an increase in the fare of the passesfrom Bs 2 to Bs 2.50.
Between 6:00 and 7:00 this Monday the streets and avenues of the city look clear, without cuts; but without public transport buses in areas such as the north and the Guapilo canal.
The measure is carried out despite the warnings from the Santa Cruz Mayor’s Office to apply sanctions which include the suspension of operating licenses. The first hours of this Monday, November 2, show that there are no buses and there is little circulation even of private ones.
The leader Second Ricalde confirmed the decision, pointing out that it was made in a town hall meeting due to the refusal of the Municipal Council to approve a transitional rate. He assured that there will be no blockades, but they will set up vigils at strategic points.
On Saturday, representatives of the unionized and federated transport met in the Urban Park, where they resolved to paralyze the service until the municipal authorities attend to their demands. They insist on a day rate of Bs 2.50 and a night rate of Bs 3.
The mayor Johnny Fernandez described the measure as hasty and reiterated that lines that suspend service for three consecutive days will be sanctioned with the suspension of their operating permits.
“We are very sorry and we believe that they should reflect on the measure.”. If they do not provide the service for three consecutive days, the law is very clear: “The authorization to operate in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is suspended,” said Fernández, who met this Sunday with his cabinet to analyze the issue of transportation and the financial crisis.
The mayor reported that, So far, 90 transport lines have received their first sanction for charging more than the fare established. He warned that, if a third offense is reached, the permit will be permanently suspended.
The president of the Council, Silvana Mucarzel, He also regretted the measure and confirmed that the current rate is Bs 2.
Two weeks ago, the Executive sent the Municipal Council a proposal that suggested an increase in the fare in a range of between Bs 2.18 and Bs 2.37.
The report was rejected by the Administration and Finance Commissionwhich suggested that any rate adjustment be conditional on the improvement of the current service. Now, we are awaiting the recommendations of the Planning and Constitution commissions.
They ask for greater firmness
Opposition councilors ask the mayor to act more firmly and sanction the transporters.
“The mayor has the obligation to supervise and sanction. We doubt that this is being fulfilled,” said councilor Manuel Saavedra.
He believes that the mayor “It is on the side of the transport leaders” and not of the citizens. “The controls look like a media show,” he said, referring to the operations to enforce the rate.
For his part, the councilor Alberto Vaca remembered that the Municipal Law 1216 establishes that repeat offender lines must stop operating, which is why they asked the Executive to begin applying sanctions.
The mayor pointed out that the issue of the rate is already in the hands of the Council. However, he announced that Starting this Monday, operations will be reinforced to sanction lines that do not provide the service.
