New Fare Increases for Buses and Trains in the Metropolitan Area
This Monday, the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) will experience a fare increase on public transport, despite the holiday. Here’s what you need to know about the adjustments in bus and train fares.
Bus Fare Changes
Starting June 15, bus fares will increase by 2%. This follows a prior adjustment of 6% made three months ago. The bus drivers’ union has recently begun demanding further salary increases, which could lead to additional fare hikes in the near future, depending on decisions made by the Ministry of Transportation.
New Bus Fare Structure
- Minimum Bus Ticket Prices:
- 3 kilometers: from $714 to $728.28 (registered SUBE users)
- Social rate: $354.72
- Non-registered SUBE: $1,253.37
For those using a registered SUBE card:
- 3 to 6 kilometers: $857.90
- 6 to 12 kilometers: $943.37
- 12 to 27 kilometers: $1,010.90
For non-registered users, fares can reach $1,607.33 for routes longer than 27 kilometers.
In the Province of Buenos Aires, minimum fares are slightly higher:
- Registered SUBE: $1,015.61
- Social rate: $457.02
- Non-registered SUBE: $2,031.22
Train Fare Increases
Train users will see significant changes as well, with a much steeper increase of 12.9% on the seven suburban railway lines. This adjustment is also outlined in the tariff table from the Ministry of Transportation.
New Train Fare Structure
For registered SUBE users, the new rates for longer trips include:
- 3 to 6 kilometers: $1,142.55
- 6 to 12 kilometers: $1,269.50
- 12 to 27 kilometers: $1,253.40
- Greater than 27 kilometers: $1,791.02
Minimum train fares for single journeys are as follows:
- Registered SUBE: $350
- Social rate: $157.50
- Non-registered SUBE: $700
- Cash payment: $1,100
Future Increases and Impact on Commuters
With ongoing adjustments planned for the upcoming months, expect increases in July to be around 4.1%. This will bring the minimum fare for the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) to over $820 and $1,059 in the Province of Buenos Aires.
Additionally, the subway fare is projected to rise to $1,622 next month, keeping pace with the rising costs of public transport across the region.
Contextual Factors
The national government aims to ensure a more sustainable and efficient transportation system, which includes managing increases in a manner intended to reduce dependency on subsidies. Over the last year, transportation costs within the AMBA surged by 75%, making public transport a significant factor in household budgets, accounting for nearly 48% of public service expenditures.
As these changes take effect, commuters in the AMBA should prepare for a new financial landscape in public transportation costs.