President Nayib Bukele has announced a nationwide measure granting free access to public transportation from May 5 to 11, 2025. The initiative comes in response to the temporary closure of the Los Chorros highway, a critical route currently undergoing stabilization works to ensure the safety of commuters.
The free service applies to all urban and interdepartmental buses and minibuses, both regular and special services, and is available throughout the entire country.
President Bukele explained that the decision is part of a broader effort to minimize the inconvenience caused by increased traffic and construction activity. He outlined four key benefits of the initiative:
- Financial compensation for the inconvenience generated by the traffic disruption.
- Incentivizing public transportation usage, easing congestion on major roads.
- Improving transportation flow, by eliminating fare lines, reducing disputes among drivers, and removing the need for cash handling.
- Stimulating the economy, as citizens can redirect saved transportation costs toward other expenses.
Temporary Closure of Los Chorros Highway
The Minister of Public Works, Romeo Rodríguez Herrera, confirmed the temporary closure of the Los Chorros highway section from May 5 to 11, citing ongoing stabilization work.
«We understand the disruption this may cause to motorists, but protecting the lives of Salvadorans is our top priority,» stated Minister Rodríguez. «There is still some instability in the area. We will not reopen the highway until safety can be fully guaranteed.»
Authorities have established alternative routes and reversible lanes in various points to alleviate congestion during the closure. Minister Rodríguez personally inspected the site on Sunday to ensure the progress of the project remains on schedule.
This temporary infrastructure adjustment and mobility measure is part of the government’s broader commitment to modernizing transportation and ensuring public safety.