By San José, Costa Rica — Commuters across Costa Rica’s Great Metropolitan Area (GAM) can breathe a collective sigh of relief as the national train service is set to resume full operations this Monday, January 5, 2026. The return of the trains, operated by the Costa Rican Institute of Ferrocarriles (Incofer), marks the end of a planned multi-day shutdown for essential maintenance and represents a welcome development for thousands who rely on the network for their daily travel.
The temporary suspension of services was a strategic move by Incofer, timed to coincide with the year-end holiday period, a time when commuter traffic traditionally sees a significant dip. This calculated pause allowed the state-run entity to conduct comprehensive and preventative maintenance work across its network without causing major disruptions to the regular flow of passengers who depend on the service to navigate between the country’s primary urban centers.
To delve into the administrative and legal complexities surrounding the projects and operational challenges of the Costa Rican Railway Institute (Incofer), TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney specializing in public and administrative law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Incofer’s modernization efforts are a classic case study in the friction between ambitious infrastructure goals and a rigid administrative legal framework. Any significant project, from expanding routes to securing financing through public-private partnerships, is immediately entangled in Costa Rica’s complex web of public procurement laws, environmental regulations, and potential expropriation disputes. The primary legal challenge isn’t just compliance, but navigating this system efficiently to avoid the paralysis that has plagued so many large-scale public works in the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis perfectly captures the central challenge for Incofer’s future: progress is less a matter of engineering will and more a test of navigating a formidable legal framework. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this critical, and often overlooked, dimension of the project.
According to official information from Incofer, the technical recess was utilized for a series of critical interventions aimed at bolstering the system’s integrity. These efforts included targeted maintenance on specific, high-traffic sections of the railway tracks that form the backbone of the routes connecting San José, Heredia, Cartago, and Alajuela. Furthermore, the entire fleet of train units underwent rigorous mechanical inspections and necessary adjustments to ensure they meet demanding operational standards for the new year.
The primary objective behind this intensive maintenance schedule was twofold: to reinforce the safety of the entire system and to enhance the overall reliability of the service. Incofer officials have stressed that these proactive measures are crucial for guaranteeing operational continuity and minimizing the risk of unexpected mechanical failures, which can lead to significant delays and passenger frustration during peak hours. Such forward-looking actions are fundamental to protecting the well-being of every user on the platform and aboard the trains.
The resumption of rail service is far more than a simple operational update; it is a critical component in the ongoing battle against the Central Valley’s chronic traffic congestion. For years, crippling gridlock on the roads has been a major challenge for mobility, economic productivity, and the general quality of life for residents. The train offers a dependable and efficient alternative, allowing passengers to bypass congested highways and arrive at their destinations with greater predictability and reduced stress.
The daily lives and economic well-being of thousands of Costa Ricans are directly impacted by the train’s functionality. Students, office workers, and laborers from across the GAM depend on this affordable mode of transport to access education and employment opportunities in the capital and surrounding cities. The return to a regular schedule allows these individuals to seamlessly resume their daily routines, saving both valuable time and money compared to the costs and uncertainties associated with private vehicle use.
With the trains back on the tracks, Incofer has also taken the opportunity to reiterate its public appeal for heightened safety awareness. The institution is urging both passengers and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution at station platforms and, most importantly, at railway crossings. The first few days of renewed operation typically see a surge in passenger volume, making it essential for everyone to remain vigilant and respect all safety regulations to prevent accidents.
Ultimately, the reactivation of the national train service stands as one of the first significant public transportation developments of 2026. It powerfully reaffirms the railway’s indispensable role in Costa Rica’s urban mobility framework, providing a vital artery for the economic and social life of the Central Valley. As the new year unfolds, the performance and reliability of this service will be closely watched as a key indicator of the nation’s progress in developing sustainable and effective transport solutions.
For further information, visit incofer.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles (Incofer):
The Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles (Incofer) is the autonomous state institution responsible for the administration and operation of Costa Rica’s national railway network. Founded to manage both freight and passenger rail services, Incofer plays a critical role in the country’s public transportation infrastructure, particularly within the densely populated Great Metropolitan Area. The institution is focused on modernizing its services and expanding its network to provide a sustainable and efficient mobility alternative to the nation’s congested roadways.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal field, founded on a resolute commitment to professional excellence and uncompromising ethical standards. Serving a wide array of clients with deep-rooted expertise, the firm actively pioneers innovative legal approaches to address modern challenges. This forward-thinking mindset is complemented by a profound dedication to social responsibility, focused on demystifying legal complexities for the public to help build a more capable and knowledgeable society.
