Since January 14, the TransMilenio fare has increased following the increase in the minimum wage and operating costs.
From Wednesday, January 14, 2026users of the Integrated Public Transport System (SITP) must pay $3,550 per trip in TransMilenio, after the officialization of the new rate adjustment by the Bogotá Mayor’s Office. The increase represents a 10.9% increase compared to the current rate and responds mainly to the impact of the increase in the minimum wage and the increase in the system’s operating costs.
Initially, the district budget project for 2026 contemplated a smaller increase, which would lead to the passage of $3,200 to $3,450that is, an increase of $250 (7.8%). This scenario was the one presented to the Bogotá Council during the approval of the Tariff Stabilization Fund (FET).
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As explained by the manager of TransMilenio, Maria Fernanda Ortizthe scenario changed after the increase in 23% minimum wagewhich forced the system costs to be recalculated.
“The fund was defined based on a different salary assumption. With the real increase in the minimum wage, the costs of the system grew significantly,” Ortiz explained.
The official explained that near the 20% of TransMilenio’s total costs They are directly linked to the minimum wage, due to the labor and union component of the system. This change generated a approximate cost overrun of $150,000 million compared to what was initially planned.
Although he national government sought resources to prevent the increase from being $350As El Tiempo learned, these supports did not materialize.
Why was the Tariff Stabilization Fund not expanded?
From the District it was clarified that the FET could not be expandedsince its amount was approved by the Council since November 2025.
“The fund is firm. It is not an option to modify it,” said Ortiz.
Given this scenario, the district administration decided increase fare revenue to balance the balance between costs and income and avoid risks in the provision of the service.
“If we do not have a balanced balance, we put the operation of the system at risk,” warned the manager of TransMilenio.
Still, the adjustment does not fully cover the extra costsince they would be pending close to $50 billionwhich must be financed from other sources such as fines, charges for on-street parking, peak and solidarity plate and other district revenues.
Subsidies, free tickets and TransMiPass remain
Despite the increase, the District confirmed that the social benefitsamong them:
- Free tickets for vulnerable population
- Integrated rate with transfers at zero pesos
- Incentives for bicycle users
- TransMiPass Program
By 2026, the benefit of free tickets to new populations:
- 5,000 people who live in pagodiarios
- 1,000 older adults from the Moderate Care community
- More than 190 street residents in resocialization and social accommodation processes
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As to TransMiPassthe plan will continue to allow you to acquire 65 tickets for $160,000. In 2026, each trip will cost an average of $1,089which represents a savings of 30.7% compared to the full rate.
Among its additional benefits are the no time limit between tripsuntil six daily tickets, digital recharge and greater control of monthly spending.
District social focus
The Secretary of Social Integration, Roberto Angulohighlighted that the District subsidizes about 50% of the technical cost of the ticketin addition to implementing a policy of free tickets for vulnerable population.
“It is not just about the free ticket, but about connecting poor and excluded populations with the opportunities that the city offers,” said Angulo.
With this adjustment, the Mayor’s Office seeks ensure the sustainability of the system without completely transferring the economic impact of the salary increase to the users, maintaining the social approach to public transportation in Bogotá.
