The Costa Rica Train Institute (INCOFER) has begun the process to purchase 8-10 units of diesel trains with capacity for approximately 350-400 people each.

INCOFER has established a budget of approximately $52 million for this purpose out of which INCOFER already has 40% in its 2018 budget; a 20% will come from the 2019 budget and the final payment will be done in 2020.

“The purchase of the trains includes the maintenance of the units, the training of the personnel both in transportation and mechanics, tools and parts to optimize the useful life of the equipment. It also includes the acquisition of a modern train control center to improve the security of the service”, informed INCOFER in a press release.

Elizabeth Briceño, president of INCOFER, explained that they should receive proposals from eight manufacturers, which were selected through a technical and market study, by April 20.

“With this we achieve the fourth step of the commitment we had taken on for the modernization of the passenger transportation through the railroad modality”, confirmed Briceño.

The first step was the recovery, clean up and reconstruction of the right of way between San Antonio de Belen and San Rafael de Heredia, as well as the route between the Basilica Church and Paraiso de Cartago. The second step involved the incorporation of new technology with the implementation of an app that offers users information on schedules and routes; and the third route had to do with the necessary regulation of the Strengthening Law (Ley de Fortalecimiento) of INCOFER.

The deficiencies of the public transportation system are one of the main complaints of Costa Ricans.