The Ministry of Transport announced on March 17 that it has published a draft decree for public comment, which would amend the National Development Plan 2022–2026 regarding special transport zones.
The proposed changes are intended to ensure accessibility and safety, promote the formalization of public transport services, and guarantee transit services for residents. According to the ministry, these special zones could be created in municipalities or groups of municipalities where there are no nationally co-financed transport systems and where regular public transport cannot operate under current regulations. The measure also aims to support access to education by providing differentiated solutions for school transportation.
Under the draft decree, each special zone would initially last four years, with a possible one-time extension of up to two additional years. After this period, public transport and transit services in these areas would need to comply with general regulations unless a technical justification from the municipality demonstrates that the original conditions still exist.
Municipal mayors, either individually or jointly, would be able to request the creation of a special zone through the Ministry’s Subdirectorate of Transport or Subdirectorate of Transit. Requests must include justification and follow procedures outlined in the decree. Additionally, mayors could issue temporary operational regulations as needed for public and school transportation or transit services within their jurisdictions.
The ministry is inviting stakeholders to submit comments on the proposal by March 24. The initiative could have significant implications for local governments and communities relying on flexible transportation arrangements.
