Party leader criticizes transit company owners.

The local chair of the conservative National Action Party criticized the request of transit company owners who asked the state for a tax reimbursement in order to financially survive.

Javier Gutierrez Vidal said that transit operators should instead provide better service, increase efficiency and improve route operations.

Company owners recently blocked an avenue at the Civic Center to protest the state decision to deny a request for the tax reimbursement.

The funds would be used to subsidize transit fees.

Gutierrez recalled the state has never granted a subsidy.

“This is set for in municipal ordinances that regulate a public service licensed to private companies,” he said. “If it is no longer a business than owners should close their doors and return the permits to the city for authorities determine who provides services.”

The PAN chair considered it would be unfair that managerial and economic deficiencies by private companies be covered by the state.

“Mexicali residents do not use transit services due to its lack of efficiency. If owners claim they do not have enough passengers I ask them to make service more attractive to increase usage,” he said. “Do not seek in government support for their companies as this is not financially viable for the state or the city. It is not possible that residents subsidize their businesses with our taxes.”