Cuenca Urban Transport Subsidy Faces Audit Request and Legal Appeal

The collective "Ciudadanos por Cuenca" has formally requested the Comptroller General of the State to audit the public funds allocated to the urban transport subsidy in Cuenca. This subsidy is substantial, amounting to approximately 8 million dollars per year. Teresita Bermeo, a representative for "Ciudadanos por Cuenca," announced this request on September 22, 2026.

Beyond the general subsidy audit, the organization is also seeking a review of a specific charge. They have asked for an examination into the destination of the additional 10 cents that users pay when a Movilízate card registers a second validation in less than 10 minutes. This additional charge is a point of concern for the collective.

In a related development, Teresita Bermeo also announced her intention to appeal the rejection of a protection action. This action was filed against both the Municipality of Cuenca and the Chamber of Transport in August 2026. The core of this protection action was to challenge and revise the resolution that allowed for an increase in the municipal subsidy for each urban transport fare, raising it from 6 to 10 cents.

The activist argues that this increase in the municipal subsidy was not appropriate. Her reasoning is that the improvement plan, which was committed to by the transport operators, has not yet been fully implemented. This suggests a perceived lack of fulfillment of conditions tied to the subsidy increase, prompting the legal challenge and subsequent appeal.

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec.

Image: AI-generated illustration.