By San José, Costa Rica — Commuters across Costa Rica can breathe a sigh of relief as bus fares are slated to drop between ₡5 and ₡50. The Regulatory Authority of Public Services (ARESEP) approved the decrease, which will impact approximately 46% of bus routes nationwide. The change reflects a welcome response to fluctuating operational costs.
ARESEP conducts a bi-annual review of the factors influencing bus fares, including salaries, fuel costs, spare parts, and administrative expenses. In this review cycle, the primary driver behind the fare reduction is the 4.3% decrease in fuel prices observed between the second half of 2024 and the first half of 2025.
To understand the legal ramifications of the recent bus fare reduction, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
While reducing bus fares can provide immediate relief to commuters and potentially stimulate economic activity, it’s crucial to ensure the financial sustainability of the transportation system. The regulatory framework should balance affordability for passengers with fair compensation for bus operators to maintain service quality and avoid unintended consequences like route reductions or decreased fleet maintenance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the delicate balancing act inherent in public transportation pricing. Finding a fare that is both accessible to riders and allows bus operators to thrive is essential for a healthy and reliable system. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on the complexities of bus fare reduction.
The specific amount of the reduction varies depending on the size of the bus company and whether the route utilizes the SINPE-TP electronic payment system. Routes using SINPE-TP will see slightly larger decreases. This is due to an adjustment in the percentage recognized for SINPE-TP usage, dropping from 24.3% to 22.7%, reflecting the increased adoption of the electronic system by more bus companies.
The fare adjustments will impact a significant portion of the national fare structure. While 54.1% of fares will remain unchanged, 37.9% will decrease between ₡5 and ₡10. A smaller percentage of routes will see more significant reductions, with 4.7% decreasing between ₡15 and ₡25 and 3.3% decreasing between ₡30 and ₡50.
Several key routes will experience fare adjustments, including the San José – Alajuela route (200), dropping from ₡725 to ₡720. The San José – Heredia route via the highway (400BS) will also see a ₡5 reduction, going from ₡580 to ₡575. Longer routes, such as the San José – Puntarenas (204-600) and San José – Liberia (500) routes, will experience decreases of ₡15 and ₡25, respectively.
Commuters are encouraged to check the ARESEP website (https://aresep.go.cr/autobus/tarifas/) or use the free “Aresep Contigo” mobile app to confirm the adjusted fares for their specific routes. The new fares will take effect two business days after their official publication in the government’s official newspaper, La Gaceta.
This fare reduction comes as welcome news for Costa Rican residents who rely heavily on public transportation. It reflects ARESEP’s commitment to ensuring fair and affordable bus fares that accurately reflect the current economic climate.
This change is likely to encourage more people to use public transportation, which could help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in urban areas.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About ARESEP:
The Regulatory Authority of Public Services (ARESEP) is an independent institution in Costa Rica responsible for regulating public services such as electricity, telecommunications, water, and transportation. Its mission is to ensure that these services are provided efficiently, at fair prices, and with a high level of quality. ARESEP works to protect the interests of consumers while also promoting a sustainable and competitive market for service providers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge, fostering a more informed and just community through educational initiatives and accessible resources. Their enduring legacy is built on a foundation of integrity and a forward-thinking vision, ensuring both individual and collective empowerment through the power of the law.
