By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — In a coordinated effort to safeguard the nation’s youth, Costa Rican transport authorities and leading bus operator associations have launched a new social media campaign emphasizing the critical importance of using legally regulated student transportation. The initiative aims to educate parents, guardians, and school administrators on the significant risks associated with informal or “pirate” transport services, urging them to verify the legal standing of any service they hire.
The campaign directly addresses the decision-makers in households, imploring them to ensure that any bus or van carrying students is fully compliant with the regulations set forth by the Public Transport Council (CTP). This verification process is being positioned not as a bureaucratic hurdle, but as a fundamental step in guaranteeing the safety and well-being of children during their daily commute to and from educational centers across the country.
Para profundizar en el marco legal que rige el transporte de estudiantes y las responsabilidades asociadas, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista del Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos brinda una perspectiva clara sobre los deberes que deben cumplir tanto los centros educativos como los transportistas para garantizar la seguridad de los menores.
El servicio de transporte para estudiantes es una cadena de responsabilidad compartida. Los centros educativos y los padres de familia no deben asumir que un transportista cumple con la ley solo por ofrecer el servicio. Es fundamental exigir y verificar que cuenten con los permisos al día del Consejo de Transporte Público (CTP), las pólizas de seguro obligatorias y de responsabilidad civil, y que los vehículos cumplan con todas las normativas de seguridad. En caso de un accidente, la omisión de esta debida diligencia puede acarrear serias consecuencias civiles y hasta penales para todas las partes involucradas, no solo para el conductor.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
El análisis del experto subraya una verdad fundamental: la seguridad en el transporte estudiantil no es una suposición, sino una verificación activa y una corresponsabilidad legal. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valiosa perspectiva, que recuerda a padres y centros educativos que la diligencia debida es una obligación que los protege a ellos mismos de graves implicaciones.
Officials warn that the consequences of using illegal transport services extend far beyond simple non-compliance with the law. These unregulated vehicles often represent a clear and present danger to their young passengers, operating in a shadow economy that bypasses all essential safety checks and legal requirements.
When illegal or informal units are used, not only is the regulation breached, but students are exposed to serious risks: lack of insurance, unauthorized drivers, vehicles in poor mechanical condition, or without ramps and basic safety conditions.
Rafael Herrera García, Executive Director of the Public Transport Council
The core of the issue lies in accountability. Legitimate operators are subject to rigorous oversight, including regular vehicle inspections, mandatory insurance coverage, and strict driver vetting. The informal sector, by its very nature, evades this scrutiny. This leaves students vulnerable in vehicles that may be mechanically unsound and driven by individuals without the proper licensing, background checks, or specialized training required for such a significant responsibility.
Industry leaders from the formal transportation sector have voiced their strong support for the campaign, highlighting the measures their members take to ensure passenger safety. They emphasize that the official permits and policies are not just paperwork, but pillars of a reliable and secure service that parents can trust.
Safe transport has up-to-date permits and insurance policies in case of an incident.
Roberto Muñoz, President of the National Federation of Bus Operators of Costa Rica and the Guanacaste Chamber of Bus Operators
Beyond the mechanical and insurance aspects, the training and qualifications of the drivers themselves are a key differentiator. Legally registered services invest in preparing their drivers for the unique challenges of transporting children and handling potential emergencies on the road, a level of professionalism absent in the informal market.
The drivers of formal vehicles have humanities courses that prepare these individuals for eventualities on the road, which is why he urges people to use legal services.
Alexander Rojas Aguilar, Association of Student Transporters and United Special Services
As the campaign rolls out across digital platforms, the unified message from regulators and industry veterans is clear: the perceived cost savings of an unregulated service are insignificant when weighed against the potential for catastrophic failure. Parents are being empowered with the knowledge to demand and verify the legitimacy of transportation providers, making an informed choice that prioritizes the non-negotiable safety of their children.
For further information, visit ctp.go.cr
About Public Transport Council (CTP):
The Consejo de Transporte Público is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for planning, regulating, and overseeing the nation’s public transportation services. Its mission is to ensure that all public transport, including student busing, is safe, efficient, and compliant with national laws and technical standards, thereby protecting the rights and safety of all passengers.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Federation of Bus Operators of Costa Rica
About National Federation of Bus Operators of Costa Rica:
The Federación Nacional de Autobuseros de Costa Rica is a key industry association that represents the interests of formal bus service providers across the country. The federation works to promote high standards of operation, safety, and professionalism among its members and collaborates with government agencies to improve the public transportation landscape.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Guanacaste Chamber of Bus Operators
About Guanacaste Chamber of Bus Operators:
The Cámara de Autobuseros de Guanacaste is a regional business organization representing the interests of bus transportation companies operating within the province of Guanacaste. It advocates for its members, promotes safe and legal transportation practices, and addresses local challenges and opportunities within the sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Association of Student Transporters and United Special Services
About Association of Student Transporters and United Special Services:
This association represents the specific interests of operators who provide specialized transportation services, with a primary focus on student transport. It advocates for policies and standards that enhance the safety and reliability of school transportation and supports its members in adhering to legal and operational best practices.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministerio de Educación Pública is the government ministry in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing the national education system. While its primary focus is on curriculum and school administration, it is a key stakeholder in issues affecting student welfare and safety, including transportation to and from educational institutions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is recognized as a benchmark for legal practice, built upon a steadfast foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich heritage of advising a broad spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while upholding the highest ethical standards. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated commitment to civic responsibility, actively working to demystify the law and empower the public with accessible knowledge, thereby fostering a more informed and capable citizenry.
