Government purchases 6 trains for new route from San José to Cartago

Temporary President Alfio Piva signed a contract May 24 with Spanish company FEVE to buy six trains that will travel between the capital, San José, and the eastern province of Cartago.

The contract allots an investment of $6 million for the trains, which are similar to those that operate between Heredia and San José.

Miguel Carabaguíaz, president of the Costa Rican Railroad Institute (INCOFER), said each train has the capacity to carry 180 people per trip.

The new route will be inaugurated with the traditional visit of the President to Cartago in September 14 (the day before Independence Day celebrations).

INCOFER authorities are also looking into extending service between Cartago and Heredia.

The trains need to be painted and coated with INCOFER colors and logos before they can be shipped to Costa Rica. They will be ready to begin operations in October.