The trip between downtown Alajuela and San José was inaugurated on April 11th. There were mayors, ministers and even the President of the Republic were in the wagons. But eight months later, the train still does not reach its destination: Alajuela Hospital.
However, the locomotive could be heard strongly in the area before March. INCOFER already requested rate and times for service and now the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) has three months to accept or reject the proposal.
The institution requested an amount of ₡ 650 for the 12 km route between Alajuela and Heredia. So if a passenger wants to travel from the city of mangos to San José, they must pay ₡ 650 between Alajuela and Heredia and other ₡ 420 between Heredia and San José, for a total of 1,090 ₡.
The construction of the terminal located in Alajuela Hospital is run by the Municipality and, according to Mayor Robert Thompson, it has a progress of 75%.
However, INCOFER states that the works on the railway are completed and that they are only waiting for the end of the season and for the Municipality to receive rates approval.
According to María Fernanda Arias, a spokesperson for INCOFER, they also believe it’s not safe for passengers to use the train while there is no platform for them in Alajuela.
The official asks for patience to the residents of Alajuela and ensures that the delays were caused by unforeseen accidents.
The institution hopes ARESEP sets the public hearing to discuss the rate in late January so that the final stage is ready before March.