Regulatory Authority to propose single fare for all types of taxis

The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) on Tuesday will present in a public hearing a proposal to modify the current fare system for taxis depending on the type of vehicle.

ARESEP called the public hearing at 5:15 pm at its main facilities in Escazú, southwest of San José, in order to submit for consultation a plan to unify taxi fares provided in sedan vehicles, vehicles adapted for people with disabilities and taxis in rural areas, usually four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The regulatory agency is proposing to average costs of each of the different types of vehicles used for taxi services and then set a single rate for the first kilometer, each additional kilometer and for waiting time.

Public hearings provide citizens the opportunity to express opposition or support for a topic being discussed, and the agency is asking people to attend Tuesday’s meeting to participate in the debate.

ARESEP also will broadcast the hearing via videoconference to courtrooms in Limón, Heredia, Ciudad Quesada, Liberia, Puntarenas, Pérez Zeledón and Cartago.

The last tariff rate approved in May set a first-kilometer fare at ₡630 ($1.15) for all types of vehicles. Fares for additional kilometers are ₡610 ($1.13) for sedan-type taxis and cabs adapted for disabled people. For taxis in rural areas each additional kilometer costs ₡770 ($1.42). Costs for waiting also vary according to the service type.

Fares for taxis providing transportation services at Juan Santamaría International Airport will not be discussed at this hearing.