Rosario Mayor Pablo Javkin criticised the national government's increase in the fuel tax and linked it to the cap imposed on subsidies provided through the SUBE transport card.
According to the mayor, the combination of the two measures hurts public transport users twice: it raises the tax burden on fuel while also restricting assistance intended to reduce fare costs.
Javkin argued that if the subsidy cap remains in place, it should be adjusted according to criteria similar to those used in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. He also said the tax increase should be offset by a reduction when the benefit to passengers is limited.
The mayor said the fuel tax has already undergone sixteen increases and that an additional 10% rise has been approved but not yet implemented.
For Rosario's municipal government, the debate goes beyond fare levels. It also concerns the territorial distribution of resources and the funding of urban transport systems outside the metropolitan area.
Javkin said revenue remains concentrated in the national administration and called for a more balanced relationship between the taxes collected and the funds allocated to public transport in inland cities.
