Increase in taxi fares approved

The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) approved a ₡5 ($0.01) increase for the first kilometer of taxi fares and of ₡10 ($0.02) for every additional kilometer traveled.

With this hike the base fare goes from ₡590 to ₡595 ($1.18-$1.19), while additional kilometers increase from ₡585 to ₡595 ($1.17-$1.19), ARESEP said in a press release.

Taxi fares in Costa Rica are calculated annually in February and August, based on increases in the cost of living and variations in the exchange rate and international price of oil.

ARESEP spokeswoman Carolina Mora said the resolution will be sent on Wednesday for publication in the official newspaper La Gaceta, in order to take effect.

Representatives of the Taxi Drivers National Forum had previously stated they wanted an increase of ₡15 for the first kilometer and an extra ₡15 for each additional kilometer.