Pianelli calls Macri 'irresponsible' after suggesting drastic Subway fare hike

Secretary General of the Subway and Tram Union Association, Roberto Pianelli, came on stage this morning to call BA City Mayor Mauricio Macri “irresponsible” after the latter unveiled the possibility of a drastic fare hike.

“Macri can’t come out and talk like he did on a possible fare rise. His words were at least irresponsible, plus what he said has no real or technical support.”

Yesterday Macri repeated that fares on the Subte underground service would rise in the near future to ensure “a balanced rate is reached” and did not rule out dumping Metrovías (the company currently running the subway) if they aren’t able to reach a new accord.

Likewise, the business-tycoon said he was seeking to implement “a more transparent and sensible system” with the goal of providing a better service at a lower cost. Macri admitted, though, that he doesn’t believe that the real rate cost is below 6 pesos but that before setting any hike, studies will be conducted to analyze it in further detail.

Pianelli also assured that “nobody wants a $4 pesos Subway fare, per say. The price must be set in accordance with the ones from other transport means like buses and trains.”

“If fares reach to that much, it would stop to be a regular service to become a luxury one. Only tourists would be able to travel and only out of curiosity to travel on the world's third oldest underground system”, Pianelli sustained

Asked about the two-month halt on the A Line due to renewal works, the unionist said “It is unconceivable to stop the service for two months just to replace the old cars with new ones, but the City government is just trying to make a media show out of it.”