'SUBE outlets now open until 7pm,' Schiavi

Transport Secretary Juan Pablo Schiavi announced today that public stands offering the SUBE electronic-card will extend their working hours until 7pm as “the demand has increased by 300 percent.”

“We are reinforcing all existent delivery points by deploying more personnel, as well opening new stands so that everybody can have a SUBE card before February 10.”

The measure came after a greater demand for the electronic card experienced yesterday that led to long lines, hours-long waiting periods, delays and complaints.

Likewise, the official remarked that “with the new SUBE stands working hours, people getting off from work at 6pm will still have time to get their cards.”
 
The National Government released a misterious TV spot on Monday urging everyone to have the SUBE card before a February 10 fare deadline but not being exactly sure as to why as it still remains unknown what the new tariffs will be.

The television message says: “Starting February 10, if you want to travel on the bus or the train and you don’t have your SUBE card, you will lose the subsidy benefits and you’ll have to pay a higher price for your ticket.”

The message continues: “but if you have your SUBE card, you’ll pay the same price that you are paying today. We’ve been telling you for a while that you should get the SUBE card. If you haven’t done so yet, you’d better do it now.

The subway will keep its current value 2.50 pesos, regardless of the payment method, after the 127 percent increase ruled by the City Government, Deputy Mayor María Eugenia Vidal announced.

The National Government’s intention, which has not been publically announced yet, would be that once all commuters have the SUBE electronic card, to segment users on their income levels.

Thus pensioners, unemployed, those who benefit from universal child allowance and people with low incomes would still benefit from subsidies, which would be cut for the rest of the people.

Asked about the fare increase, Schiavi replied “We are not talking about a transport fare hike; we are just implementing a system by which commuters will still get the subsidy benefits. And those who don’t want to be part of the SUBE system will simply lose the subsidy having to pay the full fare.”

The Secretary alsoexplained the requirements to get a SUBE card.

“It’s very quick and easy. Those interested must show up atany delivery stand with ther DNIs or Passports in case of foreigners. Third parties can also get your personal card but only as far as they present the DNI of the person interested.”

To end Schiavi remembered “the national government has been subsidizing the public transport, and it will continue doing so. We are changing the way of doing it. Now instead of giving the subsidy funds to transport companies, we want to give it to the commuters.”

The SUBE card can be obtained free of charge at the Constitución, Retiro, Plaza Miserere and Federico Lacroze train stations in Buenos Aires City, as well as at post offices and mobile distribution units.