Bus Operators Requesting
Increase in Fares
The constant rise in
fuel prices, especially
the price for a litre of
diesel, and salary
increases is the reason
behind the request by
bus operators for an
increase of 8.5% in
fares.
The request was made by
the Cámara de
Autobuseros and would
affect all bus routes in
the country.
The request is being
refined and is expected
to make it to the
Consejo de Transporte
Público (CTP) by the end
of this week.
Maritza Hernández,
president of the Cámara,
says the situation is
unsustainable. The costs
of diesel fuel jumped ¢8
colones in the last
round of gas price hikes
to the current ¢521
colones per litre, very
close to the price of
regular gasoline.
Diesel fuel prices had
always been much lower,
over ¢100 colones
difference between it
and regular gasoline.
However, in the past
several months as diesel
fuel prices have risen,
the difference is very
small.
Hernández says the
increase in fares is
also supported by the
rising cost of
maintenance and
salaries.
Once the request has
been analyzed by the CTP
it is then up to the
Autoridad Reguladora de
los Servicios Públicos
to hold hearings and
make a decision if there
will be a rate increase
and the amount.
The new prices, if
approved, could be
applied to some 250
routes around the
country by the end of
February.
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