A transport strike has caused widespread disruption across the Greater Caracas area on Monday, March 16, 2026, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. The strike highlights ongoing economic challenges in Venezuela and the difficulties faced by public transportation workers. Transport workers are demanding fare increases and the return of vehicles they allege have been unjustly impounded.
Since early morning, residents have been left waiting at bus stops, attempting to reach operate, schools, and appointments. The limited availability of transportation has led to severe congestion on the Caracas Metro system.
The state-run metro company reported a massive surge in passengers. Videos circulating on social media show crowded stations and trains operating at full capacity.
Images also emerged of people walking long distances to reach their destinations.
Over the weekend, transport operators began charging 100 bolívares per ride. The sector has repeatedly requested that fares be tied to the official dollar exchange rate as a means of protecting their income amid the ongoing devaluation of the bolívar.
Transport Workers Press for Fare Increase
Transport unions in the Greater Caracas area called the strike as a pressure tactic to demand a response from the national government. Union leader Nelson Rivas announced Sunday evening that the sector decided to suspend services due to the failure of the Ministry of Transport to address their concerns.
In a video posted on social media, Rivas stated that the sector requested on Thursday the publication of a new fare of 120 bolívares in the Official Gazette, an amount he said was agreed upon in meetings with sector authorities. He also denounced the immobilization of an unknown number of vehicles for the past two years.
“Due to the lack of information and response from the Minister of Transport to the request we made at the last meeting, we have decided to ratify what was agreed upon and carry out a cessation of functions until we receive a response from the authorities,” he said.
Rivas also appealed to Diosdado Cabello, the Minister of Interior and Justice, to resolve the detention of the vehicles.
“These people bought their vehicles with a lot of sacrifice and today they have no way to provide for their families, and we want to be taken into account in the Amnesty Law,” the union leader added.
