¢1 Million Colones Fine For Overcharging Bus Operators
The Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep) made it clear over the weekend that bus companies that take advantage of the Semana Santa travellers by charging a higher than approved fare could face a ¢1 million colones fine and/or lose their concession.

The regulating body of public prices and services send out a reminder to all bus operators of the firm hand that the institution will use following up on complaints and to accept the "seniors" tickets - special tickets issued to seniors - depending on the distance covered and that all children three years of age and under do not pay a bus fare.

"Even though bus companies make more buses available for the high volume of holiday traffic, they cannot charge more for the service" was a statement made by the public regulator.

Aresep wants the public to know that it will be available for complaints by either calling 220-0101 or visiting their website at www.aresep.go.cr.

Due to the high demand for bus service during this week, the Consejo de Transporte Público (CTP) authorized bus companies to add more buses on their routes. The routes of San José-Liberia-Peñas Blancas, the northern border with Costa Rica, is perhaps the most travelled bus route during this week, as many Nicaraguans head home for the holidays and then back to work next week.

Other routes to Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Quepos/Manual Antonio and Limón saw an increase in the number of travellers.

The Policia de Tránsito if out in full force during this week with some 800 officials patrolling the major highways. In addition to keeping an eye on drunk drivers, Tránsito officials will also be on the look out for crowded buses - a practice by some small bus companies and private tour operators - and will be sanctioning, including seizing a bus that does not have the required permits to operate.

The CTP reminded bus operator to stay on their assigned routes and to obtain a special permit for excursions.