A Cuencano's journey to U.S. and back; Tram and bus fares to be the same‏

Fear and loathing, then success in New York; a Cuencano's quest for the American dream and his happy return home

It began as a high-stakes journey that had been taken

by thousands of Cuencanos before him. Arranged at a high fee by a "coyote," it involved rides in bus luggage compartments and leaky boats, a dangerous trek across the Mexican desert and then, the final dash for the U.S. border, all the while dodging immigration police. After a nightmare start, and with the help of an "angel," this Cuencano made it in New York -- for five years, anyway.

Today, he runs one of Cuenca's most successful gyms and says he's happy to be home.

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Officials say tram fare will be the same as for public buses; city begins ambitious public education program for the tranvía

Responding to claims by its critics that Cuenca's new light rail system will require fares of 75 cents or more to cover expenses, a city official says the ticket price will be the same as for city buses, currently 25 cents. Partly to counter what it considers misinformation, the Cuenca transportation department is launching a series of information fairs to educate the public about the Tranvía de los Cuatros Rios, scheduled to begin operation next year.

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