01/08/2026 12:22 - Actualidad
At 5:15 AM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the city of Comodoro Rivadavia in Chubut province, Argentina, marked a historic milestone. After more than two decades under the management of Patagonia Argentina, the new concessionaire SolBus officially began operations, rolling out a fleet of modern buses and a digital platform designed to transform the daily commute for thousands of residents.
Just hours before launch, SolBus unveiled a user-friendly digital ecosystem. Passengers can now explore all 23 restructured lines and locate bus stops via an interactive map or the official website solbuscomodoro.com. The system allows login with a Google account or as a guest. On the map, stops are marked with black arrows with pink borders, the start point with a green flag, and the final destination with a checkered flag. Real-time GPS tracking is expected to be added soon, letting users see exactly when the next bus will arrive.
The new fleet consists of 95 brand-new buses equipped with air conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, security cameras, and the nationwide SUBE contactless payment system. Accessibility is a priority: 15% of the units feature ramps for passengers with reduced mobility. Raúl Sosa, manager of Grupo MR (the parent company), confirmed that all buses are operational from day one, and the company has hired 270 workers, many of them experienced local drivers, ensuring a smooth transition.
The new network renames and reorganizes lines for easier identification. Classic lines like 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 remain, but new circular routes 6A and 6B now connect the city center with Stella Maris and Kilómetro 3. Former branches such as 4E and 4C become Line 14, while the old 8X is now Line 18. In total, 23 lines have been restructured to optimize travel times and coverage across the city’s sprawling neighborhoods.
Mayor Othar Macharashvili visited the operational base in the Industrial neighborhood and praised the fulfillment of the tender conditions, which were awarded on March 25, 2026. With a 10-year contract, SolBus aims to revolutionize mobility in Comodoro Rivadavia, offering a more predictable, safe, and comfortable service for all its inhabitants. For visitors and locals alike, this marks a significant step forward for a city that is a key hub for Argentina’s oil industry and a gateway to Patagonian tourism.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
