Colombia’s ministry of transport has issued a press release regarding what it calls “inaccuracies on the part of the press” concerning the iconic “chiva” buses.
MORE: Colombia’s Ministry of Transport May Ban Traditional ‘Chivas’
The ministry made the statement following a media whirlwind where reports frequently suggested that new ministry of transport plans would see the demise of the Chivas.
Chivas, often referred to as “party buses”, are regarded as uniquely Colombian. Passengers listen to loud music and pass around various alcoholic drinks, including beer, rum and brandy, throughout the journey.
In the press statement, the ministry said that “the Ministry of transport wishes to clarify that it never intended to decommission the Chivas” and that “we recognize their importance to cultural tourism.”
The ministry has clarified that the new regulations that have been brought in in places such as Bogota, Medellin, Cali and many more, are to ensure the safety of the user.
Chivas are recognized as a “special mode of transport” and according to a ministry spokesperson, “whatever the outcome of the draft table, the chivas will not be going out of circulation.”
Sources
- Mintransporte no va a desaparecer las chivas (Transport Ministry)