Overview
- Arequipa’s municipal government set the Integrated Transport System fare at S/1.30 for adults and S/0.50 for schoolchildren after a direct agreement with concessionaire firms.
- Some buses continue to charge S/1.50, which has led to fare disputes, buses pulling out of service, and riders stranded or paying more to reach work and school.
- The Public Prosecutor’s Office opened a 60‑day preliminary investigation of Mayor Víctor Hugo Rivera, city council members, and operator Emarsistran over alleged omission of duty, collusion, and price speculation.
- City officials say higher fuel costs and an economic imbalance in the concession contracts justify the increase, while transport companies argue for S/1.50 and residents and UNSA students prepare protests to defend the university half‑fare.
- The municipality pledged tougher inspections and sanctions as operators commit to keep frequencies and improve fleets, while legal critics counter that any tariff change lacks a clear basis because the system remains in a pre‑operative phase.