Following public pressure and discontent over the announced increase in public transport fare to 14 pesos, the governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus Navarro, announced that the measure has been canceled and will be 11 pesos. Lemus admitted that the decision directly responds to public discontent and noted that collectives, students, and transport users played a key role in reconsidering the measure. "In my almost 11 years as governor, I have learned that when someone makes decisions, it is essential to know how to listen," he said. He stated that "dialogue and consensus were prioritized over confrontation" and that in recent weeks he has been attentive to the expressions of the public regarding the fare and the Unified Card. He also acknowledged that the Unified Card caused confusion and suspicion, mentioning that the intention of his government was to consolidate it as an instrument to concentrate all social programs and transport subsidies. However, some users interpreted it as a requirement to pay 11 pesos instead of 14 and expressed concern about the provision of personal data. Additionally, Lemus mentioned that the preferential fare of 5 pesos for students will remain, and beneficiaries will be able to verify their status through CURP and academic record, clarifying that no student will pay more and that procedures will remain the same. He also mentioned that support for free transport for the elderly, people with disabilities and their caregivers, female heads of households, relatives of missing persons, and beneficiary students will continue. Lemus affirmed that the Unified Card will continue to function as an integral tool, allowing access to public transport, Mi Bici, free medical insurance, social programs, financial services, sending and receiving remittances, as well as a state government discount program. "For those who have already obtained it, you have a very useful tool in your hands: one procedure, one card, all services, all benefits," he concluded. Finally, Pablo Lemus emphasized that this decision is part of an effort to consolidate an efficient and modern public transport system.
