Rate Hike Approved For Bus Fares

BUS fares for more than 500 routes throughout the country will increase by an average of 6.97% after the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) approved the rate hike this week.The increase will compensate bus companies for increased operation costs such as increases in diesel gasoline prices, salaries, and inflation, according to a statement from ARESEP.The increases range from ¢5 ($0.01) to ¢340 ($0.70). For example, Escazú-San José and San José-Heredia will increase from ¢170 ($0.35) to ¢185 ($0.40); San José-Puntarenas will increase from ¢1,170 ($2.40) to ¢1,260 ($2.58); and San José-Alajuela (by highway) will increase from ¢290 ($0.60) to ¢310 ($0.64).Some routes will not be affected –those that have recently had a fare increase and those that are not up to date in their payments to the Social Security System (Caja) and the National Insurance Institute (INS).The price increase will go into effect once it is published in the official government newspaper La Gaceta.