Quito’s new integrated fare system is encountering difficulties just weeks after its rollout, with users reporting access issues at Trolleybus and Ecovía stations.
The Integrated Fare Collection System (SIR), introduced as a unified payment platform for the Metro, Trolleybus, and Ecovía, began operating on April 1. It was designed to allow passengers to pay using QR codes, a City Card, or a national identity card.
In practice, the launch has been uneven.
- Only a small number of stations initially activated the system
- Validators at some stops failed to recognize payment methods
- Users reported delays and long lines
Although the system has since expanded to more stations, technical problems continue in some locations. Reports indicate that malfunctioning validators have forced staff to manually open station entrances so passengers can board.
City officials say the issues affect a small percentage of users, but frustrations remain among riders dealing with delays and inconsistent service.
The system is a key part of efforts to integrate Quito’s public transport network, but early performance has raised questions about reliability and implementation timing.