Taxi Drivers Slow To Increase Fares
Users of taxi services yesterday got a pleasant surprise, many taxis have not yet adjusted their taxi meters to reflect the fare increase that came into effect yesterday.

Arturo Agüero, of the Unión de Talleres de Taxímetros, said that the demand for taxi drivers to have their meters adjusted was "cold" yesterday. Agüero, like many other shops that provide calibration of taximeters, had expected a busy day.

Agüero said he expected at least 500 taxi drivers to be knocking on his door yesterday, but he only saw about half of that. Other shops reported the same.

Taxi fares went up ¢20 colones per kilometre. The starting fare is now ¢350 colones, up from ¢320, as well the fare for waiting and stuck in traffic - "demora" - went up as well.

Some taxi operators fear the increase may see a drop in taxi use, as customers find other cheaper means of transportation, like the bus or car pooling.