 |
COSTA RICA |
| |
Electric
Train Could End San José Congestion By 2013
Traffic congestion in San José could be
history by 2013 if the plans by the
Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT)
to get the electric train, the "tren
eléctrico metropolitano", moving become a
reality.
The electric train could greatly reduce
travel time in San José by reducing traffic
congestion and reduce smog.
The MOPT plan, although sketchy on details,
would be run a train through the city every
six minutes in both directions. The MOPT
ministra, arla González, said that the
INCOFER - the Costa Rican railway - could
join many communities and reduce the need
for buses.
The cost of the project would be us$345
million dollars.
Miguel Carabaguíaz, presidente del Instituto
Nacional de Ferrocarriles (INCOFER), said
"we are taking a step towards modernization
and what we are looking for is to offer
better service to all Costa Ricans."
Carabaguíaz said that the feasibility
studies have already been done, which has
already determined the routes and if all
goes well, the electric train could be
running by 2013.
The INCOFER has been running the diesel
power train service between San Pedro and
downtown San José and Pavas for some years.
Last month it began operating between San
José and Heredia route, using tracks that
had been abandoned for more than a decade
and purchasing locomotives and cars from
Spain. Currently it is analyzing expanding
the diesel train service between San José
and Cartago.
The "urban train" as it is called currently
only operates during mornings and afternoons
on weekdays.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
