Residents of Taboga Island, along with local authorities, held a community meeting to analyze alternatives to reverse the increase in the maritime ferry fare, a decision made by transport companies without prior consultation or consensus with the community. At the meeting, locals expressed their rejection of the fare hike, which has risen from B/.20.00 to B/.24.00 since November. According to residents, this measure affects those who depend on the service daily and has also caused a drop in the arrival of national tourists. “This increase affects both residents and visitors, and it's a blow to the local economy, which is already quite battered. In addition, we have seen a decrease in tourist arrivals, which is of even greater concern to the community,” stated a resident during the assembly. Participants agreed to continue negotiations with maritime transport companies to reach an agreement that would allow the fare to return to its original price. The goal is to find a consensus that benefits both the local population and the tourists who visit the island. Meanwhile, those affected continue to mobilize so that their demands are heard and the decision made arbitrarily by the companies is reversed.
