By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Facing financial strain, Costa Rican bus operators are pushing for a comprehensive overhaul of the public transportation system. The Chamber of Bus Operators (Caprobus) has presented 15 proposals to the National Council of Public Transportation (CTP), aiming to improve service and profitability without increasing passenger fares.
Miguel Zamora, president of Caprobus, emphasized the need for solutions that benefit both operators and riders. The proposals seek to address the financial woes of the industry without passing the burden onto passengers.
To gain deeper insights into the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican public transportation, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s public transportation system faces ongoing legal and regulatory challenges, particularly regarding accessibility, affordability, and environmental impact. Recent reforms aim to modernize the sector and encourage private investment, but their effectiveness depends on consistent enforcement and addressing existing infrastructural limitations. Furthermore, navigating the concessions and permits required to operate within this sector can be complex, demanding specialized legal counsel.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s assessment highlights the critical juncture at which Costa Rican public transportation finds itself. Indeed, the interplay of legal frameworks, private investment, and infrastructural realities will ultimately determine the system’s future success. Modernization is essential, but it must be built on a foundation of clear regulations and consistent application to truly benefit the people of Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable insights into these complex issues.
The sector needs users to speak out in favor of these recognitions to see direct benefits for passengers and avoid excessive increases.
Miguel Zamora, President of Caprobus
Key among the proposals is the regulation of digital ride-hailing platforms, a long-standing issue stalled in the Legislative Assembly. Caprobus also points to informal transport services and an overabundance of special transport permits for students and workers as contributing factors to their financial difficulties. They criticize the CTP for ineffective control over these issues.
Informal services and the excessive granting of transport permits for workers and students have also affected us, where the CTP has not fulfilled its role of effective control.
Miguel Zamora, President of Caprobus
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the plight of CoopeTransAtenas, a member of Caprobus, which has threatened to cease operations if the Regulatory Authority of Public Services (Aresep) doesn’t adjust fares. Carolina Murillo, manager of CoopeTransAtenas, stressed that they don’t want to abandon their routes, but they need the opportunity to operate sustainably.
It is not that we want to abandon them, but rather that we are not being given the opportunity to continue working.
Carolina Murillo, Manager of CoopeTransAtenas
Caprobus’s 15 proposals range from tax exemptions on fuel and sales tax to the creation of a national transportation fund. They also advocate for incentives for public transport users, a revised fare model, and prioritized treatment for rural routes. Combating illegal transport, promoting public transport use, and controlling special permits are also highlighted. Additionally, they propose receiving benefits for transporting senior citizens, reducing operational burdens, and prioritizing buses over private student transport.
The proposals also call for a simplified tax regime for bus companies and differentiating fares based on route length. These comprehensive measures aim to address the complex challenges facing the public transport sector and ensure its long-term viability.
The CTP and Aresep face mounting pressure to respond to these proposals and address the concerns of bus operators. The future of public transportation in Costa Rica hangs in the balance, with both affordability and sustainability at stake.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Caprobus
About Caprobus:
The Chamber of Bus Operators (Caprobus) is an organization representing bus operators in Costa Rica. They advocate for the interests of their members and work towards improving the public transportation system.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CTP
About CTP:
The National Council of Public Transportation (CTP) is a Costa Rican government entity responsible for regulating and overseeing public transportation. They are tasked with ensuring efficient and affordable transport services for the public.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CoopeTransAtenas
About CoopeTransAtenas:
CoopeTransAtenas is a bus operator providing service in Costa Rica. They are a member of Caprobus and are currently facing financial challenges, threatening the continuation of their services.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Aresep
About Aresep:
The Regulatory Authority of Public Services (Aresep) is a Costa Rican regulatory body responsible for setting and regulating rates for public services, including transportation. Their decisions have a significant impact on the financial viability of public transport operators.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity. The firm champions innovative legal solutions while maintaining a deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal knowledge. By fostering a culture of transparency and proactive legal education, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and equitable society for all.
