National News.
There are 11 tolls that must be paid to cross the central mountain range of Colombia and get from Bogotá to Cali.
This has become a headache for travelers by land, as they must pay $118,000 pesos for the 11 established points.
If converted to a mathematical formula, the section between Bogotá and Cali is 460 km in which there are 11 tolls:
Chusaca, Chinauta, Gualanday, Siberia, Cocora, Alto de la Linea, Colosal, La Uribe, Betania, Cerrito and Rozo tolls.
That is to say that on average a traveler must pay $10,800 pesos for every 41.8 km traveled and that “without eating a chewing gum”. They affirm in networks.
Those 118,000 thousand pesos in a journey of more than 10 hours, does not include hydration, or food, much less ‘mecato’.
It is a tour that includes different landscapes, thermal floors and roads in poor condition, under construction and other sections in good condition.
The 460 km route from the country’s capital to the ‘sky branch’ includes two important sections:
- Bogotá, Soacha, Granada, Silvania, Fusagasugá, Melgar, Ricaurte, Ibagué, Cajamarca and El Alto de la Linea, up to here the road is ascending.
- Armenia, Calarcá, La Tebaida, Bugalagrande, Andalucía, La Paila, Tuluá, Buga, Guacarí, El Cerrito, Palmira, Rozo and finally Cali.
This section of Route 40 is characterized by its high accident rate, its steep curves and heavy truck traffic.
Between Bogotá and Cali the highest toll value is $12,300 in Siberia.
The truth is that, although there are constructions on the road, most of it is in good condition.
11 tolls to travel 460 km?
Many describe this as a “robbery” and claim that Colombia is the country with the largest number of tolls, the highest values and the shortest distances.
Even Senator Fabian Díaz participates in the National Anti-Toll Summit that gives strength to the indignation of the majority of Colombians in the face of this issue.
The senator affirms that tolls are an “invention” of powerful men who have financed the political campaigns of recent governments.
And he has the road development of Colombia as a business, he also affirms that, in the end, ordinary Colombians are the ones who end up paying.
Bill … that does not pass
The senator during the Anti-Toll Summit narrates that the bill is not new, that he has already presented it 3 times with the denial of approval.
But he remains firm in his attempt to “end the toll business.”
It also clarifies that the bill consists of establishing the minimum distance between one toll and the other and that the distance is 150 km.
Also, the elimination of internal tolls, eliminate tolls that are in accesses to terminals and airports.
Another point is the preferential rates for vehicles transporting agricultural products. And most importantly with reasonable prices. He states in a speech given to several peasants and community in General.
You have to remember that Between Bogotá and Cali, the highest toll value is $12,300 in Siberia and the lowest is $9,400 in Alto de la Línea.
For their part, Colombians await a statement on the matter from President Gustavo Petro, who has generated controversy for his statements regarding the collection of tolls for motorcycles high displacement.
For now, the truth is that on August 2 it was confirmed that the government of President Petro will have to install 19 new tolls between 2022 and 2023.
This occurred at the junction of the government of Iván Duque, where pending projects on road infrastructure issues were confirmed.
After the junction of governments, it was found that 19 new toll stations are needed to finance the works that have already been completed and those that are still missing.
These constructions correspond to various “megaprojects” that are part of the fourth generation or 4G roads.
Colombians for now will have to continue paying tolls on the roads that cost more than $19,000 thousand pesos on some routes.
And continue waiting for the “miracle” to end the tolls between Bogotá and Cali and the more than 168 tolls throughout the national territory.
Do you think that tolls should be ended in Colombia?
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