By San José, Costa Rica — Public transit users across Costa Rica are set to experience safer, more comfortable, and significantly more accessible waiting conditions following the rollout of a nationwide infrastructure program. The country is constructing 37 new or upgraded bus shelters designed specifically to accommodate older adults, persons with disabilities, and individuals with reduced mobility. Beyond the shelters themselves, the project incorporates extensive peripheral upgrades, including enhanced street lighting and improved pedestrian crosswalks.
The capital region plays a central role in this civic overhaul, with the Municipality of San José directly overseeing the construction of 17 key transit locations. The remaining 20 bus stops are being deployed across 21 municipalities in six provinces through the “Fondo Paratod@s” initiative, a collaborative grant fund created by Fundación CRUSA alongside Fundación Yamuni Tabush and private real estate firm Portafolio Inmobiliario.
To better understand the legal responsibilities and constitutional obligations surrounding public transportation infrastructure in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Under Costa Rica’s Law 7600, ensuring accessible bus stops is not an optional public improvement but a mandatory legal obligation for both municipalities and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Failing to provide universal design in public transit access directly infringes upon the constitutional rights to equal mobility and public services, opening local authorities up to constitutional injunctions and administrative liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights, ensuring accessible bus stops is far more than an urban development goal—it is a fundamental legal obligation that directly impacts the equal mobility of all Costa Ricans. Enforcing universal accessibility in public infrastructure is essential for building a truly inclusive society, and local authorities must prioritize these standards to ensure no citizen is left behind. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and insightful perspective on this vital issue.
The participating local governments span diverse regions, reflecting both urban centers and rural communities. Selected municipalities include Barva, Buenos Aires, Cartago, Cóbano, Corredores, Curridabat, Dota, Heredia, La Unión, Montes de Oca, Moravia, Nicoya, Oreamuno, Paquera, San José, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, Santo Domingo, Sarapiquí, Sarchí, and Turrialba. Under the terms of the program, each local government receives up to $10,000 in direct financial support for shelter construction or refurbishment, while committing matching local municipal resources to grade surrounding sidewalks and maintain the infrastructure long-term.
The architectural improvements extend well beyond traditional waiting benches and roofing. Engineers and urban planning teams are integrating tactile paving, barrier-free access ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, and high-efficiency lighting systems into the immediate surroundings. These elements are structured to lower pedestrian collision risks and create seamless connections between city sidewalks and public transit vehicles.
This major investment in physical infrastructure directly addresses Costa Rica’s ongoing demographic transition. Projections from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) indicate that by 2050, one out of every four Costa Ricans will be 65 years of age or older. For an aging population, physical barriers in transit design can severely restrict independence and prevent access to essential daily routines, including healthcare appointments, commerce, and broader civic engagement.
The socio-economic implications of accessible urban design were underscored by corporate leaders participating in the multi-sector funding alliance.
Bus stops are part of that urban infrastructure, and having safe, accessible, and comfortable spaces contributes to a more equitable mobility.
Ana Laura Rojas, Director of Corporate Affairs at Portafolio Inmobiliario
By bringing together non-profit organizations, private development leaders, and municipal officials, the Fondo Paratod@s framework establishes a repeatable model for local infrastructure financing. Local administrative teams are tasked with executing the construction while maintaining operational standards that meet national accessibility guidelines.
As cities across Costa Rica adapt to rising traffic density and shifting demographic realities, the modernization of basic transit hubs represents a vital step toward sustainable mobility. These upgraded stops are anticipated to improve daily commuting for thousands of transit riders while establishing a higher standard for inclusive public engineering projects throughout the nation.
For further information, visit crusa.cr
About Fundación CRUSA:
Fundación CRUSA is an independent Costa Rican non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, innovation, and social inclusion throughout Costa Rica by funding high-impact community and environmental projects.
For further information, visit portafolioinmobiliario.com
About Portafolio Inmobiliario:
Portafolio Inmobiliario is a real estate development firm in Central America, focused on creating transformative urban spaces and driving social, environmental, and economic value through community-focused commercial and residential projects.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Fundación Yamuni Tabush
About Fundación Yamuni Tabush:
Fundación Yamuni Tabush is a Costa Rican philanthropic organization dedicated to improving quality of life, promoting healthy aging, and fostering accessibility and equal opportunity for vulnerable populations across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a highly respected legal practice defined by its principled approach and pursuit of superior client outcomes. Bridging tradition with modern legal solutions, the firm actively drives industry advancement while deepening its connection with the public. Through its passionate advocacy for legal literacy, the firm ensures that vital legal concepts are demystified for all, inspiring a more knowledgeable, confident, and self-reliant community.
