Cartagena: Transcaribe launches the differential fare with a $ 1,000 subsidy per ticket, for a 25.64% discount on the current fare

Starting Thursday, July 16, 2026, Transcaribe, the Integrated Mass Transit System in Cartagena, launched a differential fare subsidy program offering a discount of 25.64% off the current fare, equivalent to a 1,000 peso subsidy per ride. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families in Cartagena through targeted support for specific groups within the population. The program is backed by District Council Agreement 009 and funded by the City Hall of Cartagena. It is designed to benefit approximately 27,000 citizens, including students, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. The implementation of this new fare structure begins with students enrolled in basic and secondary education who have already been identified as potential beneficiaries. Before visiting designated service points, residents are encouraged to check their eligibility using two official channels: a dedicated website link and a virtual assistant via the city’s WhatsApp application called “Catalina.” These tools help ensure that only eligible individuals proceed to registration centers, reducing unnecessary congestion and streamlining the process. Registration activities will take place at the Center for User Attention (CAU), located at the pedestrian entrance of the Patio Portal. To manage crowds effectively and provide smooth service, the system has established a schedule based on the last digit of the identification document: Monday: Numbers ending in 0 and 1 Tuesday: Numbers ending in 2 and 3 Wednesday: Numbers ending in 4 and 5 Thursday: Numbers ending in 6 and 7 Friday: Numbers ending in 8 and 9 Each day, the sessions will run continuously from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and again from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Attendance will follow a first-come, first-served basis, with a daily capacity of 240 appointments—120 per session. This structured approach ensures efficient handling of registrations while maintaining order and accessibility for all participants. To successfully complete the registration, students must bring their identity documents and a valid Transcaribe card. It is recommended that minors be accompanied by an adult responsible for them during the process. Ercilia Barrios Flórez, manager of Transcaribe, emphasized the importance of these steps and urged eligible students to attend the scheduled dates with all required documentation to expedite the validation process. Following the initial phase focused on students, Transcaribe plans to gradually expand the program to include other beneficiary groups outlined in the subsidy policy. For further inquiries or assistance, the company has set up a dedicated WhatsApp number: +333 220 6769. This contact point provides additional support and information to those seeking clarification or needing help navigating the registration procedures. The launch of this subsidized fare model marks a significant step toward making public transportation more accessible and affordable for vulnerable segments of the population in Cartagena. By implementing this measure, the local government seeks to address economic pressures faced by many households, particularly those with limited resources. As the program progresses, more details regarding its broader implications and future expansions will become available through official channels and community outreach efforts.