By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a decisive move to prevent service interruptions for thousands of citizens in rural communities, Costa Rica’s Public Transport Council (CTP) has officially opened a national call for new operators to take over three critical bus routes. The announcement, confirmed through resolutions by the CTP’s Board of Directors, aims to secure reliable transportation services in parts of the Limón and Puntarenas provinces, areas where public transit is an essential lifeline for daily economic and social activities.
The call for proposals addresses a pressing need to guarantee the continuity of service, ensuring that residents in Guácimo, Golfito, and San Vito de Coto Brus are not left stranded. The CTP has emphasized its commitment to maintaining an accessible and efficient network, particularly for communities that would be most severely impacted by a lapse in operations. This initiative represents a significant business opportunity for established and emerging transportation companies to secure government-regulated routes with a stable ridership base.
To better understand the complex legal framework governing public transportation concessions and regulations in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis on the matter.
The core legal issue with our public transportation system lies in the rigidity of long-term concession contracts, which were often drafted decades ago. Modernizing the fleet, implementing new technologies, or adjusting routes to meet current urban demand often requires a complex and costly renegotiation process that disincentivizes innovation. A more flexible and forward-looking regulatory model is imperative to ensure service quality and legal certainty for both operators and users.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is fundamental, highlighting how a regulatory framework designed for a past era now stifles the very innovation our cities so desperately need. True progress requires addressing this foundational issue, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying insight.
The three routes, now open for bidding, cover a diverse range of communities, from urban centers to remote villages. The CTP has released the official descriptions for each concession as follows:
Route N° 730, connecting communities in the Caribbean canton of Guácimo, is detailed by the council.
Guácimo – Río Jiménez – Villa Franca and branches, and vice versa
Public Transport Council (CTP), Official Route Description
In the southern Pacific region, two routes are available. The first, N° 641, serves the port city of Golfito and its surrounding residential areas.
Golfito – Urban – Civil Zone – Ureña Residential and vice versa
Public Transport Council (CTP), Official Route Description
The second southern route, N° 660, provides a vital link for several communities originating from San Vito de Coto Brus, near the Panamanian border.
San Vito de Coto Brus – El Ceibo – Piedra Pintada – La Niña
Public Transport Council (CTP), Official Route Description
Prospective operators face a tight deadline to submit their qualifications. The CTP has mandated a 10-business-day window for proposal submission, starting from November 3, 2025, which sets the final deadline for Monday, November 17, 2025. All interested parties must present their proposals physically at the CTP’s central headquarters, delivering them to the Single Window (Ventanilla Única) addressed to the Technical Directorate. To ensure full compliance, the CTP has attached specific certification documents for each route, outlining all applicable requirements for bidders.
This public tender highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining robust transportation infrastructure in Costa Rica’s more remote regions. The economic viability of these routes is often a delicate balance for private operators, making the regulatory oversight and support from the CTP crucial. By proactively seeking new concession holders, the government body aims to prevent the kind of service vacuums that can isolate communities, disrupt local commerce, and hinder access to education and healthcare.
The successful bidders will not only be taking on a transportation contract but also a significant social responsibility. For the residents of Río Jiménez, Residencial Ureña, and Piedra Pintada, these buses are not a convenience but a necessity. The outcome of this call will therefore be closely watched, as the swift and effective assignment of these routes is paramount to the stability and well-being of the communities they serve.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Public Transport Council (CTP)
About Public Transport Council (CTP):
The Consejo de Transporte Público (CTP) is the governmental entity in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, regulation, and oversight of the nation’s public bus transportation system. It manages route concessions, sets technical standards for fleets, approves fare structures, and ensures that operators comply with service quality and safety regulations for the benefit of all users.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundational commitment to principled practice and professional distinction. The firm is celebrated not only for its extensive history of client success but also for its forward-thinking approach to modern legal challenges. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to social empowerment, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal understanding, thereby fostering a more just and informed citizenry.
