Curfew in Lima and Callao: more than 10 million public transport users harmed

This April 5 is a curfew imposed by the Government and communicated just over two hours before it came into force. Thus, thousands of people took to the streets and not only were they surprised that they should no longer go to their workplaces, but that the means of transport were not working.

The restrictions forced many to work from home, but there are still people who for various reasons would decide to mobilize around the city. Thus, this is harming more than 10 million public transport users in Lima and Callao. The figure increases even more considering people who use the taxi or bus service.

In a statement, the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao (ATU) reported that all public transport routes in Lima and Callao under its competence, and concessionaires of the Metropolitan and Complementary Corridors, would not provide services this day. In the case of taxis, as well as special school, tourist and worker transport, there would be no service either.

At the beginning of the morning, only the Lima Metro was serving, but around 10:30 a.m., Line 1 reported that service was being suspended until further notice. This line had reached 100% capacity, so that it could carry up to 1,200 passengers per train.

However, now the number of people left without a means of transport is increasing. According to the ATU, there are 11 million people from Lima and Chalacos who depend on public services.

ANÍBAL TORRES DOES NOT RULE OUT EXTENDING CURFEW TO THE ENTIRE COUNTRY

The president of the Council of Ministers, Aníbal Torres, stated that the measure seeks to protect citizens from possible acts of violence due to the stoppage of carriers. He also noted that it could be extended to the rest of the country. However, he stated that this will depend on what happens in the next few hours.

“If this situation persists, it can be extended to the rest of the country, but I think not, the population will understand and the population themselves will not accept vandalism,” he told TV Peru this morning.

“We have to work in order, with serenity and tranquility, the Government is there to guarantee all fundamental rights, rights that no one can attack,” he also said, explaining the reason for the measure that he claims to protect the country's security.

Torres also stressed that the Executive Branch is not seeking confrontations with the Congress of the Republic, so they accepted the invitation to attend Parliament in the afternoon. This was done after they made a prior invitation to the president of the Legislative for 8:00 a.m.

“We do not have any plans for confrontations (...) the President of the Republic and the ministers, we have agreed to go to Congress at 3 in the afternoon,” he said.

On the other hand, the premier said that the measures imposed by the Government to reduce or contain the price of fuels will be enforced. It should be recalled that the Executive decided to exonerate the payment of the Selective Consumption Tax (ISC) on fuels by 90%.

“These measures dictated regarding the price of fuels are going to be fulfilled yes or yes. Yesterday we arranged for Osinergmin to control the faucets, an effective control. We are in a crisis situation, so we ask all taps in the country to adapt to these measures,” he said.

KEEP READING