Some medium-distance transport companies in Jujuy have begun reducing their bus frequencies during so-called “valley hours,” which are periods of the day with lower passenger demand. The decision, announced on April 9, comes as the sector faces a difficult economic situation marked by rising costs and falling revenues.
The reduction aims to maintain normal service during peak hours, especially early mornings and midday, when most passengers travel. Enrique Mulqui, president of a transport company, said that these changes are necessary to ensure continued mobility for users.
“Public transportation has been in crisis for a long time, and now it is getting even worse. It is necessary to sit down and talk with authorities in order to sustain good service,” Mulqui said in an interview with Canal 7.
Mulqui also warned that the situation could worsen soon if no solutions are found. “Units are already being reduced and we estimate that next week, if there is no solution, there will be another reduction,” he said.
One of the main challenges cited by Mulqui is the high cost of fuel, which makes it impossible to keep running the same number of buses during times when fewer people use public transportation. He also mentioned delays in government subsidy payments as another problem facing operators. Currently, he explained, the state covers about 55% of ticket costs for users who qualify for social fares—an amount totaling approximately 1.5 billion pesos per month distributed among local companies—but payment delays mean they are only now receiving funds from January.
“It is an unsustainable situation. There are delays in wage negotiations and salary payments and not enough resources to solve structural problems with service,” Mulqui concluded.
