Cuenca Announces Dual Bus Route Changes: Monay Interchanger and 12 de Abril Closure Reroute Key Lines
CUENCA, AZUAY – July 29, 2025 – Cuenca's urban landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, bringing with it two separate sets of changes to the city's bus routes. These modifications, driven by major infrastructure projects, aim to improve long-term mobility but will require temporary adjustments for daily commuters. Passengers are advised to stay informed as these reroutes affect multiple lines across different parts of the city.
Monay Interchanger Project Leads to Reroutes for Lines 4, 13, and 16
CUENCA, AZUAY – July 29, 2025 – Cuenca's urban landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, bringing with it two separate sets of changes to the city's bus routes. These modifications, driven by major infrastructure projects, aim to improve long-term mobility but will require temporary adjustments for daily commuters. Passengers are advised to stay informed as these reroutes affect multiple lines across different parts of the city.
The construction of the Monay Interchanger on the highway, anticipated to begin by mid-August, will necessitate changes for three key urban bus lines: Line 4 (Narancay-Feria Libre), Line 13 (Tejar-Hospital del IESS), and Line 16 (Mutualista Azuay-Hospital del IESS). These adjustments are designed to minimize disruption during the construction of the new interchange, a project financed by the Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTOP).
Line 4 (Narancay-Feria Libre): Buses traveling on the Azogues-Cuenca lane of the highway will now enter via Cuzco Street (behind the IESS Hospital) towards 24 de Mayo Avenue. They will continue on this avenue to the Max Uhle roundabout, enter the distributor, exit onto the highway, and resume their usual route.
Lines 13 and 16 (towards IESS Hospital): These lines will share a modified route. Buses will exit Max Uhle Avenue onto the highway, take the Azogues-Cuenca lane (which will change direction), and enter via Quiteño Libre Street (Ciudadela Tomebamba). They will then access El Zurriago Street, which becomes Popayán, to connect with Washington Street. From Washington, they will resume their normal route to 24 de Mayo Avenue. To facilitate this, part of an existing fence will be demolished, and the area will be adapted for traffic.
New bus stops will be established along these modified routes, for instance, three strategic stops between El Zurriago and Popayán streets. The return routes for these lines will remain unchanged. Line 4 will use the Cuenca-Azogues lane of the highway, while Lines 13 and 16 will use 24 de Mayo Avenue, which will become one-way between the Rayoloma Street and Max Uhle Avenue roundabouts.
Line 15 (Monay-Feria Libre) will largely maintain its current route through the Monay Interchanger construction area. Buses heading to Monay will enter via Rayoloma Street to 24 de Mayo, reach Cuzco, take Popayán, and exit to Camino a Rayoloma to reach the Monay roundabout. Buses heading to Feria Libre will descend via Monay-Baguanchi-Paccha to the IESS roundabout, proceed along Camino a Rayoloma to 24 de Mayo, and continue their usual route. Private vehicles will need to use the Cuenca-Azogues lane of the highway to access the Monay-Baguanchi-Paccha road.
Community members, including Daniel Chaca from Ciudadela Tomebamba, have expressed concerns about the lack of sufficient public awareness and suggest that avenues like Pumapungo Avenue might be better alternatives due to their wider lanes and direct connection to Max Uhle and Rayoloma for IESS Hospital access. Users like Enrique Mendoza, Doménica Vásquez, and Viviana Vásquez also emphasized the need for better communication regarding these changes.
Avenida 12 de Abril Closure Reroutes Seven Bus Lines for 60 Days
Separately, the Cuenca Municipality announced the closure of Avenida 12 de Abril between Federico Malo Street and Avenida Fray Vicente Solano for a period of 60 days, starting Wednesday, July 30, 2025. This closure is necessary for rigid paving work.
As a result, vehicular traffic, particularly urban bus services, will be rerouted. Buses that normally circulate on 12 de Abril will now use Federico Malo Street, Tadeo Torres Street, and Avenida Solano.
The bus lines affected by this closure are: Line 2, Line 7, Line 10, Line 15, Line 16, Line 24, and Line 26. These units will circulate via alternative routes adjacent to Parque de La Madre during the 60-day period.
Navigating the Changes with Cuenca Expat HUB
It's crucial for Cuenca residents and visitors to note that these are two distinct infrastructure projects causing separate bus route modifications. While some lines, like Line 15 and Line 16, are affected by both projects, the reasons for their reroutes and the specific alternative paths differ based on the construction site.
The Municipality urges the community to stay informed through official channels for updates on construction progress and diversion routes. Planning your commute in advance and checking for specific line changes will be essential during these periods of urban development.
Stay Ahead of Your Commute: Your Go-To Source for Cuenca Mobility Updates!
Don't get caught off guard by unexpected detours or bus route changes. Navigating Cuenca's evolving urban landscape requires accurate, timely information.
At Cuenca Expat HUB, we are committed to providing you with complete, English-language insights on these critical mobility changes. We synthesize information directly from official municipal channels, and when possible, gather perspectives from those directly involved – from spokespersons and project managers to affected residents and witnesses. Our goal is to give you the clearest picture, helping you plan your commute with confidence.
Here’s how Cuenca Expat HUB empowers your daily travel:
Comprehensive Details: Get all the specifics on affected bus lines, new routes, and expected durations.
Official Information, Simplified: We translate complex municipal announcements into easy-to-understand English.
Real-World Context: Benefit from "boots-on-the-ground" insights that go beyond just official statements.
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