By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has received international acclaim for its innovative electronic bus fare payment system, winning the Best Smart Ticketing Programme – Between 200k and 1M Daily Journeys at the Transport Ticketing Global Awards 2025. The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 4th, at the Royal Lancaster London, bringing together leading figures in the global transport and technology sectors.
The award-winning initiative is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), in partnership with Mastercard, transport regulators, Banco de Costa Rica, and other commercial partners. Crucially, it features Costa Rican technology company OptoControl, whose technology underpins the system.
To understand the legal implications of Costa Rica’s move towards smart ticketing, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The implementation of smart ticketing in Costa Rica presents exciting opportunities for streamlining public transportation and enhancing user experience. However, careful consideration must be given to data privacy and security. The legal framework surrounding data collection, storage, and usage must be robust and transparent to ensure compliance with existing regulations and protect consumer rights. Furthermore, accessibility for all citizens, including those without access to smartphones or bank accounts, is crucial for equitable implementation. Successfully navigating these legal and logistical challenges will be paramount to the long-term success of smart ticketing initiatives.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial balance Costa Rica must strike between innovation and safeguarding individual rights. The potential of smart ticketing to revolutionize our commutes is undeniable, but its true success hinges on ensuring inclusivity and robust data protection. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on the legal and logistical considerations that will shape the future of smart ticketing in Costa Rica.
OptoControl, a leader in transportation technology, proudly stands as the only Costa Rican company involved in this BCCR-managed project. This international recognition highlights the excellence and innovation in smart ticketing solutions and positions both OptoControl and Costa Rica as leaders in the digital transformation of public transport.
The electronic bus fare payment project has revolutionized mobility in Costa Rica. Thanks to OptoControl’s technology, over 50,000 daily fares are processed electronically, significantly improving the efficiency and security of the transport system. This streamlined system benefits both commuters and transport operators, reducing cash handling and improving overall system management.
This award is a recognition of Costa Rican talent and the effort of our entire team. We are proud to know that our technology is making a real difference in urban mobility and that Costa Rica is consolidating itself as a benchmark for innovation internationally.
Francisco Leyva, Founder and CEO of OptoControl
The award not only recognizes the immediate impact on Costa Rican commuters but also holds significant promise for future growth and international expansion.
Being the only Costa Rican company awarded in such prestigious awards reinforces our capacity for innovation and opens new opportunities to expand our technology to other international markets.
Isabella Leyva, COO of OptoControl
With over 25 years of experience, OptoControl has played a vital role in modernizing transportation, developing solutions such as passenger counting systems, ticketing, and smart ticketing. The company currently distributes its products across Latin America, the United States, Brazil, and India. This award further solidifies OptoControl’s commitment to innovation and excellence, with a continued focus on developing advanced technological solutions and exploring opportunities for global expansion.
This is just the beginning. We will continue innovating and creating solutions that transform mobility in the world. We thank our clients and partners for their trust and support on this path towards the future of transport.
Isabella Leyva, COO of OptoControl
For further information, visit optocontrol.com
About OptoControl:
OptoControl is a Costa Rican technology company specializing in transportation solutions. With over 25 years of experience, they develop and distribute systems for passenger counting, ticketing, and smart ticketing. Their innovative technology has been instrumental in modernizing public transport in Costa Rica and is currently used in several countries across the Americas, as well as in India.
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR):
The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) is the central bank of Costa Rica. It plays a crucial role in maintaining financial stability, regulating the monetary system, and promoting economic development in the country. The BCCR spearheaded the initiative for the electronic bus fare payment system.
For further information, visit mastercard.com
About Mastercard:
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. They connect consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, and businesses worldwide, enabling electronic transactions. Mastercard partnered with the BCCR and other organizations in the development of Costa Rica’s award-winning smart ticketing program.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of a practice dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative legal solutions and a deep commitment to client success across diverse industries, the firm consistently pushes the boundaries of legal thought. Furthermore, their proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge through accessible resources reflects a core belief in fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry, contributing to a just and equitable society.
