Security guards for Bogotá's TransMilenio transit system have faced 160 aggressions so far in 2026 [1].
The surge in violence highlights the growing volatility surrounding fare evasion in the city's mass transit system. As guards attempt to stop "colados" — passengers who evade payment — confrontations are increasingly resulting in physical injuries.
Reports indicate that these attacks are concentrated primarily along the Caracas, Caracas Sur, and NQS trunk lines [1]. While many incidents involve physical altercations, several cases have escalated to the use of bladed weapons [1].
In one specific incident at the Country Sur station in southern Bogotá, a fare-evader attacked two security guards with scissors [2]. The assault left both guards injured [2]. This event underscores a trend where simple disputes over ticket payments transition into violent crimes.
The security personnel are tasked with maintaining order and ensuring revenue collection, but the frequency of these attacks suggests a breakdown in passenger compliance. The 160 reported cases [1] reflect a persistent challenge for the transit authority in balancing security enforcement with staff safety.
Local reports describe scenes where vigilantes and fare-evaders engage in fights at various stations across the southern sector of the city [3]. These clashes often stem from the guards' efforts to prevent unauthorized entry into the system.
“Security guards for Bogotá's TransMilenio transit system have faced 160 aggressions so far in 2026.”
The escalation of violence against TransMilenio staff indicates that fare evasion in Bogotá has evolved from a regulatory nuisance into a public safety risk. The use of weapons like scissors suggests that security guards are operating in an increasingly hostile environment, which may necessitate a shift in how the city manages transit security and passenger enforcement.
