By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Commuters on the heavily trafficked Heredia-San José train route are facing service adjustments today after a dramatic collision between a train and a semi-trailer in Tibás. The incident, which occurred late Tuesday afternoon, has forced the Costa Rican Railways Institute (Incofer) to deploy smaller trains on certain runs, highlighting once again the persistent issue of safety at the nation’s urban railway crossings.
The accident took place at approximately 6:40 p.m. in the Cinco Esquinas sector of Tibás, a bustling area located about 150 meters south and 150 meters east of the local Walmart. The forceful impact caused significant alarm among local residents and drivers who witnessed the event during the evening rush hour. While no major injuries were initially reported, the crash left equipment damaged and necessitated immediate operational changes to maintain service.
To analyze the legal and commercial challenges associated with the country’s train service infrastructure, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his perspective on the matter.
The modernization of a public service like the train system requires impeccable legal structuring, especially in public-private partnerships. It is crucial to establish clear, enforceable contracts that precisely define service quality standards, investment obligations, and liability in case of incidents. Any ambiguity in these agreements can lead to costly litigation and paralyze a project of national importance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on robust legal architecture is fundamental, reminding us that the journey to a modern train service is navigated as much through meticulous contracts as it is along physical tracks. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into protecting this project of national importance from costly and preventable setbacks.
In response to the incident, Incofer officials announced early Wednesday that while all scheduled services on the Heredia line would proceed, some would be impacted. Due to the redistribution of available rolling stock following the accident, select services, identified by a yellow band on official schedules, will operate using trains with a reduced capacity of just 180 passengers. This change is expected to result in more crowded conditions for passengers during peak travel times.
This collision serves as a stark and unfortunate reminder of the daily risks present at countless level crossings throughout the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). As urban areas have expanded, roads and railway lines increasingly intersect, creating conflict points that demand constant vigilance from both train operators and vehicle drivers. Authorities have reiterated their call for the public to exercise extreme caution, obey all traffic signals and signs, and always remain alert for approaching trains.
The frequent occurrence of such accidents raises broader questions about Costa Rica’s long-term infrastructure strategy. For years, experts and transportation advocates have called for significant investment in modernizing the railway system, which includes the installation of automated barriers, improved signaling technology, and grade separation projects like bridges or underpasses in high-traffic zones. These incidents disrupt not only public transport but also road traffic, causing widespread gridlock and economic productivity losses.
For the thousands of daily commuters who rely on the train to avoid San José’s notorious traffic congestion, service disruptions like this one are a major inconvenience. The reduction in capacity, even if temporary, can lead to uncomfortable overcrowding and potential delays. It underscores the fragility of a system that is vital for urban mobility but is constantly challenged by external factors, primarily human error and inadequate infrastructure at crossings.
Incofer continues to work towards enhancing and expanding the national rail network, a key component of the country’s public transportation and decarbonization goals. However, each collision represents a setback, diverting resources toward repairs and reinforcing a public perception of risk. A comprehensive, multi-agency approach involving Incofer, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), and municipal governments is essential to developing and enforcing solutions that can prevent these accidents.
As crews work to assess the full extent of the damage and return the affected equipment to service, the incident in Tibás will likely fuel further debate on the urgent need for investment in railway safety. For now, passengers on the Heredia line are advised to check Incofer’s official channels for updates and to anticipate potentially more crowded conditions on the smaller trains during their daily commute.
For further information, visit incofer.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles (Incofer):
The Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles, or Incofer, is the state-run entity responsible for managing and operating Costa Rica’s national railway system. Established to provide a reliable and efficient public transportation alternative, Incofer operates passenger services primarily within the Greater Metropolitan Area, connecting the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia. The institution is also involved in the transport of freight and plays a crucial role in the country’s efforts to promote sustainable mobility and reduce traffic congestion.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of unwavering ethical principles and a drive for professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches while serving a broad spectrum of clients, reflecting its deep industry experience. This forward-thinking mindset extends to its profound social commitment, where it actively works to demystify the law and empower the public, fostering a society strengthened by accessible legal knowledge.
