The National Confederation of Transport Organizations (Conatra), together with several transport associations and federations operating in Santo Domingo Este, has accused the National Federation of Transport La Nueva Opción (Fenatrano) of operating outside its authorized service areas and taking over routes assigned to other operators.
The organizations warned that they will halt their services for 24 hours beginning Wednesday if the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant), the Dominican Republic’s road transport regulator, does not intervene to resolve the dispute.
Conatra Alleges Violations of Operating Routes
Tony Marte, Conatra’s vice president, said Intrant has been informed of the situation on multiple occasions but has not taken effective action. He argued that the regulator would bear responsibility for any disruption arising from the conflict if it remains unresolved.
According to Marte, intercity transport services are allegedly collecting passengers along routes reserved for local operators in areas including Boca Chica, Las Américas, and San Isidro. He said these practices violate Law 63-17, the legislation governing mobility, land transportation, traffic, and road safety in the Dominican Republic.
Several Local Routes Reportedly Affected
The transport organizations identified several routes they say have been impacted, including the Campolino Association, the Cichobrazo route in Los Tres Brazos, Contratuvarca Routes A and B, the Quinto Centenario route, and the San Isidro route, along with other services operated by transport associations throughout the municipality.
The groups called on Intrant to conduct permanent enforcement operations in the areas where the alleged conflicts have occurred, remove vehicles they describe as operating outside their authorized routes, and impose the sanctions established by law.
Operators Remain Open to Dialogue
Despite announcing the possibility of a service suspension, the transport leaders said they remain willing to negotiate a solution with the authorities and other stakeholders. However, they insisted they will not accept what they describe as violations of their legally established operating rights.
Unless government authorities provide a response before the planned work stoppage, Conatra and the participating transport organizations say they will move forward with the 24-hour strike, a measure that could affect public transportation services across parts of Santo Domingo Este.