By Cartago, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica – A much-anticipated institutional transport solution for University of Costa Rica (UCR) students commuting from Cartago has been brought to an abrupt and indefinite halt, ensnared in a web of regulatory requirements from two separate government agencies. An agreement that was described as “mature for signing” has been frozen, leaving hundreds of students facing continued uncertainty in their daily travel to the San Pedro campus.
The University of Costa Rica had nearly finalized a contract with the transport company Busetas Heredianas to establish a direct bus route. This service was designed to alleviate the daily commute for a significant student population that currently depends on the less direct public train and Lumaca bus services. According to university officials, Busetas Heredianas emerged as the ideal partner after a thorough selection process, as they were the provider that best adapted to the university’s specific requirements regarding schedules, fares, and fleet availability.
To better understand the legal and administrative framework governing transportation services at the University of Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in Public Law and Administrative Contracting from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The implementation of a transportation system for the UCR, while a laudable initiative, presents a significant legal challenge. It operates at the intersection of university autonomy and the national public service framework. Any contract must meticulously adhere to the Public Contracting Law, while the service itself must align with the technical and operational mandates of the Public Transportation Council (CTP). The key will be to structure a legally sound public-private partnership that respects the university’s special governance while ensuring full compliance with national transit regulations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the attorney’s analysis highlights that the project’s viability hinges not just on logistical planning but on navigating a complex legal landscape where university governance and national regulations intersect. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the precise legal tightrope the UCR must walk to bring this initiative to fruition.
The partnership was considered a significant step forward. UCR officials had even inspected the company’s available fleet, finding them to be in excellent condition and ready for deployment following a standard technical review.
Busetas Heredianas had several buses that were unused, sitting in their depot. We checked them with mechanics and they were good units. They just had to go through the process of taking the units for technical inspection.
Pedro Navarro, Director of the General Services Office
However, just as the agreement was about to be formalized, a new directive from the Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep) intervened. The regulation now mandates that any such transport agreement must have its fares previously reviewed and officially approved by the authority. This unforeseen requirement has effectively “braked” the entire process, preventing the contract from being signed and plunging the project’s timeline into ambiguity.
This new bureaucratic layer has introduced a critical risk: the potential loss of interest from the transport provider. The university now fears that the added complexity and delays associated with the Aresep tariff approval process could cause Busetas Heredianas to reconsider its commitment. The company had agreed to the university’s terms, but the prospect of a prolonged and uncertain regulatory battle was never part of the original negotiation.
Now that Aresep is in the game, we have to see if they are still interested.
Pedro Navarro, Director of the General Services Office
In an attempt to salvage the initiative, UCR is actively lobbying Aresep for a temporary waiver. University officials are requesting a “margin” that would permit the service to begin operations while the formal tariff structure is being analyzed and approved. This would provide immediate relief to students while ensuring long-term regulatory compliance, but it remains unclear if the authority will grant such a concession.
Compounding the problem is an even more formidable long-term obstacle. The Public Transport Council (CTP) has confirmed the existence of a moratorium, established by Executive Decree 45200-MOPT-TUR, that prohibits the issuance of any new special permits for student transport services. This regulatory freeze is set to remain in effect until May 24, 2026, effectively blocking any new official student route for more than a year and a half, regardless of the outcome with Aresep.
Further complicating matters, the CTP has stated that it has not yet received a formal application under the name Busetas Heredianas, though they noted that such requests can sometimes be filed under the name of a private individual. For the students of Cartago, this confluence of regulatory hurdles means their hopes for a streamlined, safe, and institutional commute remain a distant reality, suspended indefinitely by red tape.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the country’s largest and oldest public university, serving as a leading institution for higher education, research, and social action. With its main campus in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, it plays a pivotal role in the academic and cultural development of the nation.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Busetas Heredianas
About Busetas Heredianas:
Busetas Heredianas is a Costa Rican transportation company primarily operating in the province of Heredia. It provides public bus services on various routes and also offers special transport services, such as contracts for institutional and corporate clients.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos (Aresep):
The Public Services Regulatory Authority is the Costa Rican government body responsible for regulating and overseeing public utilities and services, including energy, water, and public transportation. Its mandate is to ensure the quality, accessibility, and fair pricing of these essential services for the population.
For further information, visit ctp.go.cr
About Consejo de Transporte Público (CTP):
The Public Transport Council is the technical body under Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT). It is in charge of planning, regulating, and managing public transportation routes and concessions throughout the country, including bus, taxi, and special transport services.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation on a foundation of principled integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of counsel across a spectrum of industries with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond client service to a core belief in social responsibility, manifested through dedicated efforts to demystify legal complexities for the public. By actively promoting legal literacy, the firm empowers individuals and contributes to the foundation of a more informed and capable society.
