Daily coverage from across the country, written for the expat community
Results for “vehicles”Clear
Public transport is still Quito’s main way to move, but new data show riders shifting toward private options. Around 64% of Quito residents still use public transport, while apps, taxis and motorcycles are gaining ground because of safety, comfort and service concerns.
A frontal crash between a pickup truck and a cargo truck near the Zapotal bridge left 12 people dead on June 14. ECU 911 said the crash happened at about 04:14 on the Guayaquil-Santa Elena highway.
A heavy downpour on Thursday, June 11, flooded streets in Ibarra and Atuntaqui, with water rising above half a meter in some areas. In Cotacachi, farmers in Peribuela reported damaged corn and fruit crops after the storm and hail.
Guayaquil recorded 300 road deaths in 2025, a 15% increase from 2024, and 75% of those killed were pedestrians or motorcyclists. ATM data also tied 208 of the 300 deaths to speeding-related incidents.
ANT says Ecuador's new Tercera Placa system will re-register the entire vehicle fleet from zero and replace roughly 200 municipal databases with one national platform. Registration is expected to begin before the end of 2026.
A legal reform moving through Ecuador's Assembly aims to clear about 12,000 abandoned containers from the country's ports. The backlog includes roughly $450 million in retained cargo and average wait times of 365 days.
El Universo reports the government proposed transit-law reforms that would give the National Police control over the national road network and strengthen access to toll-road images and cantonal transit-agency information.
El Universo reports intense rain on June 1 caused water accumulation in several sectors of Santo Domingo de los Colorados. The report cited flooded streets, affected homes and businesses, stalled vehicles, and an activated municipal response team.
El Universo reports Ambato urban and rural transport operators restricted service on June 1, working only from 08:00 to 14:00 while seeking a fare adjustment. The current urban fare is 30 cents.
Primicias reports Quito's AMT will exonerate the calendar fine for vehicles with license plates ending in 4 after ANT and municipal system failures. Owners can complete technical review and matriculation through November 2026 without that sanction.
Primicias reports that Quito's AMT resolved its payment-order system failures on May 27, 2026. The six vehicle review centers will keep extended hours through Saturday, May 30, to process delayed review and registration work.
Quito's Pico y Placa restriction applies on weekdays from 06:00 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 20:00. El Comercio reports the first violation is $69, the second is $115 and a third violation reaches $230.
