Less travelers on the roads between Cuenca and Guayaquil due to insecurity

What is happening on the roads between Cuenca and Guayaquil?

The newspaper El Mercurio reports that insecurity on the roads is causing significant social and economic impacts. Criminals are now attacking directly on the roads, making it dangerous for travelers.

How has passenger traffic been affected?

Passenger traffic has decreased by 50% during this vacation period compared to previous years. The fear of being attacked on the road has deterred many from traveling. Night shifts have been reduced due to safety concerns.

What are drivers experiencing?

Miguel, a driver with over 10 years of experience, shares, "They block our way on the road. Before, they only threatened us, but now they shoot without mercy." Criminals are intercepting vehicles on deserted stretches to rob drivers and passengers.

What is the transport sector's reaction?

Transport representatives are deeply concerned. Hermel Jarro, president of the Azuay Interprovincial Transport Union (UTIPA), states, "There are no security guarantees on the highways, and criminals rob us twice a week." They have requested increased security, especially on the Cuenca-Molleturo road and in La Troncal.

What measures are being taken for protection?

Transport leaders have implemented searches on passengers before boarding, but criminals have adapted and now attack directly on the roads. They use trucks to block and force buses into ditches for easy robbery. Security technology, like panic buttons and cameras, is failing. "The panic button is a sham; it has never worked," a driver noted. According to him all vehicles are equipped with six security cameras, three installed by ANT Ecuador and three additional ones by the cooperatives, but the response from ECU-911 is nonexistent.

How should you handle an assault as passenger?

Pedro Mejía, a security expert, advises staying calm and not resisting during an assault: "Sometimes these people are under the influence of drugs. It's dangerous to make them nervous or more violent." He adds that the modus operandi almost always involves three or more armed people, putting the passenger at a clear disadvantage.

Are there alternatives for traveling to Guayaquil?

Yes, LATAM offers a daily direct flight between Cuenca and Guayaquil. It's also possible to fly to Guayaquil via Quito. If you need to fly to a foreign country you may choose to fly via Quito instead of Guayaquil.