Cochabamba residents finally received some relief after a 13-hour transportation strike ended at 5:00 PM today. The strike, led by the Federación Sindical del Autotransporte y Transporte Libre demanded a fare “adjustment.”
Strike Details and Demands: The strike began at 4:00 AM and escalated throughout the day, with over 80 blockades set up across the city, effectively crippling public transportation. The drivers demanded a fare increase, contesting the Bs 2.18 proposed by the Cochabamba Municipality based on a technical study. They presented their own study suggesting a higher fare of Bs 2.67.
Dialogue and Resolution: In an attempt to resolve the dispute, the municipality officials convened a dialogue table at 11:00 AM with representatives from the transport sector, Federación de Juntas Vecinales, Social Control of Cochabamba, and the municipality. The City Hall urged the drivers to end the strike and continue discussing the proposed fare with residents in the city’s 15 districts.
Looking Ahead: Socialization and Negotiations: Following the dialogue, the transport sector finally lifted the blockade at 5:00 PM. Negotiations are expected to continue, with a two-week socialization phase planned to discuss the cost studies with Cochabamba residents.