Few Cars On The San José -
Caldera Highway This Weekend
It is the weekend, the sun is shining, the
weather is hot and the Puntarenas Festival
is in full swing. But where are the drivers
on the new San José - caldera highway?
Fearing a repeat of the first weekend the
highway opened, the ministerio de Obras
Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) and the road
concessionaire, Autopistas del Sol, were
prepared with a plan in the event of a
massive exodus to the Pacific coast on
Saturday and for the return on Sunday.
But, all was calm yesterday. There was no
massive movement of vehicles, in either
direction. No massive line ups at the toll
stations. No, nothing.
The Policía de Tránsito (traffic) officials
patrolled the highway in flocks, up to four
and six officials on motorcycles riding in
"biker" style, with nothing to do, save to
watch a flowing traffic go by.
So, what happened?
Simple, most Costa Ricas do not want to pay
the tolls.
The expected 27.000 vehicles of the first
day of the first weekend in operation of the
highway did not occur. The novelty wore out,
some believing that the ¢3.860 colones toll
for the round trip (¢1.930 each way) from
San José to Pozón (west of Orotina) was just
not worth it.
Or at least that is the thought.
Another factor that could have played a
major role in the low traffic volume is that
traffic movement was staggered, as many
decided to leave at times when they felt
traffic volume would be lower, in effect not
creating congestion.
Or maybe, people decided to stay home this
weekend.
Children just got back to school, it is a
Valentines Day weekend, many deciding to
spend their paycheck on a special gift for
love instead of a family outing and maybe
just plain reducing costs. However, the
malls and Pricesmart was packed on Saturday.
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