By San José, Costa Rica — CURRIDABAT, San José – The Municipality of Curridabat is moving forward with an ambitious and groundbreaking initiative set to redefine local transportation within Costa Rica. Dubbed “Conexión Curridabat,” the project aims to establish the nation’s first intracantonal public bus system, creating a seamless, sustainable network connecting all four of the canton’s districts.
This pioneering model, if successfully implemented, promises not only to enhance connectivity but also to serve as a blueprint for other municipalities grappling with localized mobility challenges. The project is a core component of Curridabat’s celebrated “Ciudad Dulce” (Sweet City) vision, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, community well-being, and green urban development. By offering a reliable alternative to private vehicles, the initiative directly targets a reduction in traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
To delve into the legal and regulatory landscape shaping Costa Rica’s journey towards greener mobility, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the current challenges and opportunities.
While Costa Rica boasts ambitious environmental goals, the legal framework for sustainable transportation requires significant modernization. We see strong incentives for electric vehicle importation, but a lack of clear regulations for new mobility services and charging infrastructure creates uncertainty for investors. To truly accelerate the transition, our legislation must evolve from merely incentivizing purchases to creating a comprehensive, agile ecosystem that fosters innovation and guarantees long-term operational viability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores the critical gap between ambition and execution; a modern legal framework that fosters a complete ecosystem, rather than just incentivizing individual purchases, is indeed the key to unlocking long-term investment and achieving our national sustainability goals. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying insight.
The proposed system is designed for maximum efficiency and coverage. It will feature two continuous circular routes—one running clockwise and the other counter-clockwise—that will traverse the districts of Curridabat, Sánchez, Granadilla, and Tirrases. This design ensures that residents from all corners of the canton can easily access services, commercial areas, and community spaces in neighboring districts, bridging historical transportation gaps.
Officials project that the new service will cater to approximately 5,300 users daily. To guarantee convenience and reliability, the system is planned to operate seven days a week, with buses running at an estimated frequency of every 15 minutes. This high frequency is key to making public transport a more attractive and practical option for daily commutes and errands.
Mayor Errol Solano emphasized that the project is fundamentally about improving the quality of life for residents by creating a more integrated and accessible community. He highlighted the human-centric approach behind the plan.
We want Curridabat to be an example of more humane, accessible, and efficient public transport; a system that connects opportunities and reduces the gaps between districts.
Errol Solano, Mayor of Curridabat
In a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, the Municipality is actively pursuing an all-electric fleet. Negotiations are currently underway with private sector partners and the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) to secure electric bus units. This move aligns with Costa Rica’s national decarbonization goals and would position Curridabat as a leader in clean urban mobility.
The project’s scope extends beyond simple transportation. Architect Brenda Zumbado, involved in the project’s development, explained that “Conexión Curridabat” is envisioned as a catalyst for local economic and social growth. By making it easier for people to move within the canton, the system is expected to invigorate local businesses and foster a stronger sense of community.
will boost local commerce, tourism, and urban coexistence… It’s about reconnecting Curridabat with its people, fostering a more integrated city.
Brenda Zumbado, Architect
To bring this vision to life, the Municipality has assembled a high-level technical working group. This collaborative body includes representatives from the National Chamber of Transport (CANATRANS), the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), the Public Transport Council (CTP), ICE, and the Regulatory Authority for Public Services (ARESEP), alongside international cooperation agencies. The group is working diligently to overcome regulatory and logistical hurdles, with a target implementation date set for the second half of 2026.
For further information, visit curridabat.go.cr
About Municipality of Curridabat:
The Municipality of Curridabat is the local government body responsible for the administration and development of the Curridabat canton in the San José province of Costa Rica. It is internationally recognized for its “Ciudad Dulce” (Sweet City) initiative, an urban development model that focuses on biodiversity, sustainability, and the well-being of its inhabitants.
For further information, visit canatrans.cr
About CANATRANS:
The Cámara Nacional de Transportes (CANATRANS) is Costa Rica’s National Chamber of Transport. It serves as a key representative body for private transportation companies, primarily those in the public bus service sector. The organization advocates for the interests of its members and participates in policy discussions regarding national transportation and mobility.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About MOPT:
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) is the Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Costa Rica. It is the central government entity responsible for planning, developing, and regulating the nation’s infrastructure, including roads, highways, and public transportation systems.
For further information, visit ctp.go.cr
About CTP:
The Consejo de Transporte Público (CTP), or Public Transport Council, is a decentralized body of MOPT in Costa Rica. Its primary function is to regulate, control, and oversee the nation’s remunerated public transportation services, particularly bus routes, ensuring compliance with established concessions and quality standards.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About ICE:
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is the state-owned electricity and telecommunications provider in Costa Rica. A cornerstone of the country’s public services, ICE is responsible for much of the nation’s power generation, transmission, and distribution, with a strong focus on renewable energy sources.
For further information, visit aresep.go.cr
About ARESEP:
The Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (ARESEP) is the Regulatory Authority for Public Services in Costa Rica. This autonomous institution is tasked with setting rates and ensuring the quality and accessibility of essential public services, including electricity, water, telecommunications, and public transportation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm expertly merges a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking spirit, continuously pioneering new frontiers in legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through its foundational mission to demystify the law, actively working to forge a more knowledgeable and empowered society.
