Comodoro Rivadavia is overhauling its urban public transit system as Grupo MR (Sol Bus) takes over operations from Patagonia Argentina on August 1, 2026, ending a two-decade concession with a fleet of 95 zero-kilometer units featuring air conditioning, heating, and Wi-Fi.
The End of a Twenty-Year Concession
According to municipal records, Patagonia Argentina operated the city’s urban transport service for more than twenty years. The Municipality initiated a new licitation process to modernize the network, introduce new vehicles, update routes, and establish a long-term contract. On March 25, 2026, Mayor Othar Macharashvili officially awarded the ten-year concession to Grupo MR, citing technical and economic advantages.
The transition faced administrative delays and legal challenges. Although operations were initially projected to launch on June 1, contract signing was postponed while the Municipality reviewed required documentation from Grupo MR. Patagonia Argentina maintained service through temporary extensions while questioning the licitation process legally and administratively, though the Concejo Deliberante ultimately ratified the ten-year contract with Grupo MR.
Did You Know? The first physical milestone of the transition occurred on the night of July 14, 2026, when the initial batch of zero-kilometer Sol Bus units entered Comodoro Rivadavia equipped with air conditioning, heating, and wheelchair ramps.
Operational Changes and New Routes
Operations are now centralized at a new base in the Industrial neighborhood, forcing a restructuring of the 23 lines comprising the urban transit network. To help passengers navigate the changes, the Municipality of Comodoro Rivadavia launched an online platform where users can check exact route layouts, origin-destination points, and upcoming real-time tracking data.
Among the major modifications, the new circular lines 6A and 6B replace the old 4A to connect the northern and southern zones via the Roque González road without requiring a trip through the downtown core. Additionally, Line 14 unifies previous routes to connect neighborhoods like Bella Vista, Fracción 14, and Fracción 15 directly to the city center and the bus terminal.
Labor Agreements and Worker Integration
Throughout the transition period, labor continuity for drivers and support personnel remained a central focus of negotiations. The UTA union intervened in discussions to secure job stability for the existing workforce as operations shifted from the outgoing concessionaire to Grupo MR.
Concurrently, Grupo MR opened local hiring calls, prepared its new Industrial neighborhood facility, and integrated the new fleet into the restructured schedule. The company’s management will oversee all 23 lines under the ten-year agreement designed to expand coverage to previously unserviced sectors of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Grupo MR (Sol Bus) officially take over the transit system?
According to municipal announcements, Sol Bus begins operating the network on August 1, 2026.
What happened to the previous operator, Patagonia Argentina?
Patagonia Argentina concluded its two-decade concession after the Municipality awarded a new ten-year contract to Grupo MR following a competitive licitation process.
How can passengers check their new bus routes and stops?
The Municipality of Comodoro Rivadavia has made an online platform available where residents can search exact routes, enter origin and destination points, and view stop locations.
How will these restructured routes and new vehicles alter your daily commute across Comodoro Rivadavia?
Worth a look