New Train From Heredia To San José In Only 19 Minutes
Travelling from Heredia to San José faster than both buses and cars could be a reality in a couple of years. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has resumed studies of a Metropolitan Electric Train (TREM) and have announced they've selected a route between the Heredia hospital and the Pacific train station in San José. While the complete trip through 13 stations would take 30 minutes, commutes between Central Heredia and Parque Nacional stops would take only 19 minutes. The TREM plan was first presented by two French financial companies, Systra and Astrise Finance in 2004, but lacked political support. Now, Transport Minister Karla Gonzales has confirmed that both she and President Oscar Arias are committed to making the plan happen. "It's time to think of quality public transport," said Gonzales. "The streets are no longer enough for the amount of cars and the solution isn't to make them bigger." Both Karla Gonzales and the President of Costa Rica Óscar Arias, are committed to making this project successful.
San José, Costa Rica May Have A New Train Service In Fifteen Years
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Systra and Astrise Finance both see huge potential for the implementation of electric trains in all Costa Rica. Small and faster than their ancient counter-part, the Tren Urbano that presently services the route from Pavas to San Pedro, newer model electric trains are easier to implement. In the initial feasability study presented in 200 by the two French companies who are experts in the construction of trains and the financing of these kinds of projects, the conclusion was that Costa Rica has great potential for the implementation of this kind of a public transportation system. An estimated $88 million of the $136 million budget to install special traffic lights and build underpasses and bridges would be provided by the government and the remaining $48 million would come from the companies providing the trains. Ticket costs would be two thirds subsidized by the State.
The MOPT is presently clearing the old tracks and relocating squatters. Our thanks to our friends at La Nación - Costa Rica's largest Spanish circulation newspaper for their permission use this article.
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