Taxi fares in Costa Rica will drop 3 to 20 percent following new guidelines from the Public Services Regulatory Authority, despite opposition from drivers.
A reduction would bring taxi fares closer to those offered by Uber. Costa Rica President Luis Guillermo Solís has said Uber is operating illegally in the country.
The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) approved a ₡15 hike in regular per-kilometer taxi fares and a ₡2 to ₡3 increase in per-liter fuel prices.
The National Forum of Taxi Drivers announced an alliance last week with other taxi associations in Central America and Colombia to “declare war” on the disruptive ride-sharing app. Meanwhile, Uber is hiring in Costa Rica.
Lower fares will apply for all taxis in the country including those in rural areas and taxis providing transportation at the Juan Santamaría International Airport.