Buses Operators Will Have 8 Years More To Install Ramps
The first debate to reform Ley 7600 may begin day, and following a number of fines and threaths by Tránsito (traffic) officials, it appears that bus operators will have their way.

Ten years Ley 7600 established that all buses must install handicap ramps by 2006. In August a small percentage of the national fleet of buses has complied and Tránsito officials were instructed to fine buses not complying with the law and to confiscate plates of those buses who were fined and did not comply within a time period.

However, threats by bus operators that would have meant completely paralyzing the nation without bus service forced lawmakers to take another look at Ley 7600.

A Legislative Commission was formed and recommended a deferral. Legislators are expected to start debating reforms to Ley 7600 and based on the commission report, the law would extend the compliance for another 8 years, when 100% of the buses must have ramps installed for use by the handicapped.

The law also pretends that all "new" buses entering Costa Rica beginning in 2007, must have handicap ramps installed.