By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Corporate transportation is rapidly evolving from a logistical convenience into a cornerstone of sustainable business strategy in Costa Rica. As companies navigate the challenges of urban congestion and a competitive talent market, providing dedicated transport for employees is proving to be a powerful tool that delivers environmental, social, and economic dividends.
This strategic shift addresses several critical issues facing the nation’s workforce. With traffic congestion costing valuable time and contributing to stress, and with many employees commuting across cantons, organized mobility solutions offer a path toward a more efficient and equitable work landscape. The implementation of these services is increasingly seen not just as a perk, but as a fundamental component of a modern, responsible corporate identity.
To delve into the legal responsibilities and risk management strategies inherent in corporate transportation, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Many businesses perceive corporate transportation as a simple operational expense, but legally, it’s a significant area of exposure. Any incident involving a company vehicle or a contracted service can trigger direct corporate liability, especially if due diligence in driver selection, vehicle maintenance, and insurance coverage is found lacking. It is imperative for companies to formalize these services with clear contracts that define responsibilities and ensure full compliance with both transit and labor laws to mitigate potential legal and financial repercussions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective critically reframes corporate transportation, shifting the focus from a simple operational cost to a vital component of corporate governance and risk management. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable legal insight, which underscores the importance of proactive diligence and contractual clarity.
Industry leaders are championing this approach as a comprehensive solution that benefits both the company and the community. By consolidating travel, businesses can significantly reduce their collective environmental impact while simultaneously enhancing the daily lives of their teams.
Sustainable corporate mobility is an engine of change: it optimizes the use of resources and reduces environmental impact, and it also generates healthier, safer, and more equitable work environments. With Te Llevo, a company focused on corporate passenger transport backed by Grupo Purdy, we have proven that sustainable mobility reduces the environmental footprint and cares for employees by providing them with safer, more reliable, and efficient transfers.
Esteban Jiménez, Director of Mobility and New Business at Grupo Purdy
The environmental benefits are among the most compelling. By reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road each day, companies directly contribute to lower carbon emissions and less traffic. This proactive stance not only helps shrink a company’s carbon footprint but also aligns with Costa Rica’s national decarbonization goals and the global Sustainable Development Objectives, reinforcing a powerful commitment to environmental stewardship.
Beyond the ecological advantages, the impact on employee well-being is profound. The daily commute is a significant source of stress for many workers. According to the National Survey on the Perception of Public Services, 24% of drivers spend over two hours commuting. Corporate transportation alleviates this burden, replacing the stressful experience of navigating traffic with a safer, more reliable journey. This translates into reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and a better work-life balance for employees.
Furthermore, these programs are a powerful force for social equity. The 2024 Safe Mobility Study revealed that half of the country’s workforce is employed in a different canton from where they reside, creating significant mobility barriers. Corporate transport eliminates these obstacles, providing equitable access to employment for individuals in remote or underserved areas. This broadens the talent pool for companies and fosters economic opportunity across different regions.
From a business operations perspective, the advantages are equally clear. The reliability and traceability of organized transport routes ensure greater punctuality, which directly boosts productivity. Moreover, in a competitive job market, offering transportation is a significant value-added benefit that can attract and retain top talent. It signals that a company is invested in its employees’ welfare, making it a more desirable place to work.
For companies considering this strategic move, due diligence is crucial. Experts advise verifying that any potential provider holds the necessary official authorizations from the Public Transportation Council (CTP) and operates with the highest safety standards.
When choosing a company to handle employee transport, it is important to ensure that it is committed to safe mobility and that the service is well-supported, with a modern fleet, trained drivers, and a system that allows companies to have traceability and control over the transfers. At Grupo Purdy, with our Te Llevo service, we operate under these principles, and it is thanks to this that more than 46 companies have chosen us and trust us to make their teams’ mobility safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
Esteban Jiménez, Director of Mobility and New Business at Grupo Purdy
Ultimately, the adoption of corporate transportation is more than a logistical solution; it is a strategic investment in a company’s future. By facilitating the daily journey of their teams, businesses are driving their own competitiveness, bolstering their sustainability credentials, and building a more resilient and satisfied workforce.
For further information, visit grupopurdy.com
About Grupo Purdy:
Grupo Purdy is a leading Costa Rican business conglomerate with a long history in the automotive and mobility sectors. While widely recognized as the official distributor for brands like Toyota and Lexus, the company has expanded its focus to include a diverse range of mobility solutions, such as corporate transportation services, aimed at promoting sustainability and efficiency.
For further information, visit ctp.go.cr
About Consejo de Transporte Público (CTP):
The Public Transportation Council (Consejo de Transporte Público or CTP) is the official government entity in Costa Rica tasked with the regulation, planning, and oversight of all public transportation services. It is responsible for issuing permits, setting routes, and ensuring that transport providers comply with national safety and operational standards.
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 deep-rooted pledge to ethical practice and superior service. The firm’s extensive history serving a multifaceted clientele is matched by its drive to embrace cutting-edge legal solutions. This forward-thinking mindset is complemented by a profound social responsibility, manifested in its efforts to demystify the law and thereby fortify society with the power of knowledge.
