Caracas, Venezuela – A city-wide transport strike began today, Monday, March 16, 2026, leaving commuters stranded and disrupting daily life in the Venezuelan capital. The work stoppage, called by a coalition of transport workers, stems from unresolved demands for fare adjustments and the return of impounded vehicles, according to reports.
The strike’s organizers are demanding an official fare increase to 120 bolívares, a figure they claim was previously agreed upon with the Ministry of Transport. They also seek the release of buses and other vehicles that have been held by authorities for operating outside of officially gazetted rates. The lack of a formal response from the government to these requests prompted the decision to halt services, impacting the Gran Caracas area.
Nelson Vivas, a key leader within the transport workers’ union, announced the strike via social media, rallying his colleagues to cease operations until their concerns are addressed. Vivas specifically appealed to Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, to intervene in the matter of the detained vehicles, emphasizing the financial hardship faced by drivers who rely on these vehicles for their livelihoods. “Un mensaje al capitán Diosdado Cabello, por favor, abóquese nuestras unidades que nos tienen retenidas por casi dos años. Estos señores adquirieron sus unidades con mucho sacrificio y hoy en día no tienen cómo llevar el sustento a sus hogares,” Vivas stated, as reported by multiple news outlets.
The strike’s impact is already being felt across the city, with reports of long lines at the few remaining operational transport hubs and increased demand for alternative transportation options. The situation is further complicated by ongoing economic challenges in Venezuela, which have made access to affordable transportation a critical issue for many residents.
According to El Nacional, Vivas communicated the decision to transport workers, explaining that the lack of response from the Ministry of Transport led to the strike call. Primicia.com.ve also reported on the demands for the release of impounded vehicles and the officialization of the 120 bolívar fare.
Transport workers are also protesting the detention of vehicles operating with fares not officially listed in the Gaceta Oficial, the official gazette. Radio Fe y Alegría Noticias reported that drivers began charging 100 bolívares after being informed the increase had been approved at that rate, leading to detentions by police unaware of the change. Nelson Vivas, president of the Asociación Civil Conductores La India, expressed frustration with the situation, stating, “¡Así no vamos a trabajar! Tenemos que ser serios en estas cosas, vamos a funcionar con la Gaceta tal cual como lo exige la ley porque es al único sector al que le exigen la Gaceta para poder funcionar.”
The strike organizers have adopted a “Hora cero!” (Zero Hour) campaign, displaying the slogan on vehicles as a peaceful form of protest. Somos Tu Voz reported that the sector transporte convened a paralization of activities in the Gran Caracas area, citing the absence of solutions from official authorities.
#15Mar #Venezuela #Transporte #ParoDeTransporteDirigente gremial Nelson Vivas anunció un paro de transporte en la Gran Caracas que paraliza actividades en la capital como medida para exigir un ajuste del pasaje urbano a 120 Bs. – @andresdh04 https://t.co/bMu0R0c1IQ
— Reporte Ya (@ReporteYa) March 15, 2026
The immediate future remains uncertain as transport workers await a response from the government. The duration of the strike and its potential impact on the wider economy will depend on the willingness of both sides to negotiate and reach a resolution. Commuters and residents of Gran Caracas are advised to seek alternative transportation arrangements and stay informed about developments as the situation unfolds.
What are your thoughts on the transport strike? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
