01/08/2026 09:25 - Actualidad
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the inhabitants of Comodoro Rivadavia—a key oil hub in Argentine Patagonia—will witness a complete transformation of their public transport system. After more than twenty years under the concession of Patagonia Argentina, the city welcomes SolBus (part of Grupo MR). The official award was made on March 25, 2026 by Mayor Othar Macharashvili, establishing a 10-year contract to modernize the network.
This transition, despite political, administrative, and labor challenges with the Unión Tranviaria Automotor (UTA) union, ultimately guaranteed job continuity for drivers. On July 31, 2026, the mayor himself toured the new operational base in the Industrial neighborhood, inspecting the units and speaking with workers to ensure an orderly change.
One of SolBus's major promises becomes reality with the arrival of 95 zero-kilometer buses. These modern vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, heating, and Wi-Fi, as well as ramps to ensure accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Residents, who often endure low temperatures and frost during the winter, hope this modernization translates into a better travel experience and shorter waiting times.
To ease the adaptation to the new routes, SolBus and the Municipality launched an interactive digital platform. Available from the night of Friday, July 31, the tool allows users to visualize the exact layout of the 23 lines that make up the new system.
The platform, accessible via web, allows login with a Google account or as a guest. Users can see:
It was announced that in the coming days the system will incorporate real-time GPS location of units, frequency schedules, and details of each stop (shelter, sign, or post). You can access the map from any internet-connected device.
According to local media reports, users are eagerly awaiting the start of service. Some have expressed concern about the possible fare, with rumors placing the price at 2,500 Argentine pesos (approximately USD 2.50 at the time of writing). However, the general mood is optimistic, with hopes for better frequencies—especially on weekends—and warmer buses to avoid the winter cold while waiting at stops.
This article was prepared using data from ADNSUR, Diario Crónica, and El Patagónico.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
