Costa Rica’s rapid transit plan is taking shape

Expat retirees as well as Costa Ricans dread driving in San José, Escazú, Alajuela, Santa Ana, Heredia, Cartago because of heavy traffic. Now there appears to be a solution in sight for reducing the number of cars on the highways. Costa Rica just received a loan for $550 million dollars from the Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (BCIE) to develop a rapid transit system. Specifically, the funds are designated for the new electric interurban express train called El Tren Rápido de Pasajeros de la Gran Área Metropolitano (GAM). The total cost of the project will be $1,297 million dollars. The remaining monies will come from private enterprise.

When completed the train will span 73 kilometers (45.3 miles), have 42 stations and travel through San José, Alajuela Heredia and Cartage. Each station will have a bus top and an area for bicycles.

When completed the train will benefit 4.5 million people and create almost 500 permanent jobs.

Other benefits include a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles, less traffic and the number of accidents which always cause major delays.

It is estimated that the project will be up and running within six years.

I can hardly wait.