Disturbances between striking bus drivers and authorities in Colombia’s third largest city Cali left five injured and 57 in jail Wednesday.
Hundreds of transporters blocked the roads of the capital of the western Valle del Cauca department demanding that they not be excluded from the mass transit system (MIO).
At least five people were hurt and 57 captured after transporters protested for more than 12 hours in Cali. The local administration named only 10 collective public transit companies in parallel operations of MIO, which caused those not included to raise their voices in protest Wednesday morning.
The local government and representatives from various transit systems realized a table of dialogues to try to negotiate the imminent departure of at least 20 public transport companies by the first of November. No agreement was reached in the meeting, sparking riots and blockades throughout the streets of the city.
Clashes throughout different zones of Cali caused a collapse in mobility and chaos in various sectors. Due to the trouble caused by the protests, the government has said that the MIO will continue to operate smoothly, and will run completely free Thursday. The “pico y placa” law will also be suspended for the day, which dictates the days various vehicles are allowed to drive.
In the mean time, authorities have adopted special measures of control to avoid similar protests which left over 50 people accused of damage, personal injury, and other crimes.
More than 20 buses were immobilized Thursday morning due to orders of the Ministry of Transport. According to representatives of the mass transit system, at least 50 buses were attacked, and 30 of those were left with damages. Vandalism also occurred in various stations of the MIO.
A table of consultation will occur September 5 at 9AM to define the terms of the new transit systems of the MIO, as well as the gradual exit of routes whose drivers have manifested concerns of their jobs. The administration has opened possibilities of some to join the mass transit system.