Bus owners reject mayor’s subsidized fare increase plan; It’s Tango Time in Cuenca; Extreme weather spreads wildfires and sets temperature records

President of the Cuenca Chamber of Transport Diego Idrovo said Monday that city bus owners do not accept a proposal by Mayor Cristian Zamora for a subsidized 10-cent bus fare increase. “First, we object to raising the fare from 30 cents to only 40 cents, since the amount is not sufficient to cover our operating costs,” he said. “Second, the city has been unreliable in paying the 1-cent subsidy in the current contract so we are not interested in a new subsidy.”

The city-sponsored “Ruta del Tango” presents performances this week on Wednesday and Saturday. (El Mercurio)

Zamora said last week he would present his plan to subsidize a 10-cent bus fare increase with city funds at a municipal council meeting in January.

Idrovo said the delays by the city in addressing the bus fare increase make a 40-cent fare outdated. “The study by the University of Cuenca was conducted three years ago and costs have increased since then,” he said. He also pointed out that the study had recommended two fares based on different conditions, one of 40 cents and a second of 44 cents. “Given the delays and rising maintenance costs, negotiations must begin at a higher level,” he said.

Idrovo said that owners will not agree to a subsidized fare based on the city’s record of late payments of the current 1-cent subsidy. “There have been continuing delays of payment of up to five months of this subsidy so we cannot accept a larger subsidy.”

It’s Tango Time in Cuenca
The “Ruta del Tango” runs through Cuenca this week, with events scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday. On Wednesday, “Cuenca Vive el Tango: Homenaje al Adulto Mayor” will present an evening of dance and music performed by local and national artists at the Sucre Theater. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Dance activities continue Saturday, with a tango clinic for older adults at the Esquina de las Artes, corner of Agustín Cueva and 12 de Abril. Participation is free, aimed at promoting movement, social integration and learning in an accessible environment.

Also on Saturday, a dance and musical presentation “Sábados de Glorieta: Show de Tango” will begin at 7 p.m. in the Parque Calderón glorieta. Admission is free.

“Ruta del Tango” is sponsored by the city of Cuenca and the municipal Office of Culture.

‘Extreme weather’ spreads wildfires, sets new records
Cuenca woke up to the coldest temperatures of the year Tuesday as several area wildfires continue to burn out of control due to “desert-like” conditions in the southern sierra. The official temperature at the airport was 2 degrees (35 degrees) while satellite weather stations on the west side of the city reported lows of -1 and -1.5 degrees.

Cattle graze in a frosty pasture in San Joaquin Tuesday morning. (El Mercurio)

In contrast to cold morning temperatures, the National Institute of Meteorology (Inamhi) says afternoon highs could reach near-record levels in some areas. On Monday, high temperatures reached 26.5 degrees in several Azuay Province locations.

Inamhi is blaming the “extreme weather” for wildfires in Sigsig, Santa Isabel and other areas in the province. “The contrast in temperatures, low humidity levels and intense sunshine have created desert-like conditions in much of the sierra, and this is favorable for the development and spread of forest fires,” Inamhi said in a bulletin. “We urge residents of the region to avoid burning agricultural and outdoor debris until conditions improve.”

Inamhi said afternoon humidity levels reached 16% and 17% Tuesday near Cuenca.

In its forecast, Inamhi predicts “improving conditions” toward the end of the week, with a return of moderate temperatures and increased cloud cover. It says there is a possibility of rain this weekend.