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Costa Rica urban light rail

Tuesday, June 19, 2018


The Costa Rican government will in a few months tender a feasibility study for an electric light train in the metropolitan area of San José.

The double-track project involves a a distance of 80 kilometers between Paraíso in the east and Belén and Coyol in the west, using the existing rail bed.

The study would analyze various options - from the type of project to the operation, as well as the question of how to finance a public work, whose income will not cover the construction cost.

An elevated or mostly elevated train is the most expensive but fastest option.

A surface or mostly surface train is a slower but cheaper alternative.

There could also be a mixed model.

The analysis would take into account the benefits of wide versus narrow gauge, ticket prices, demand, flexibility for expansion, and financing, among other topics.

Currently, the state rail company Incofer operates diesel trains with a low frequency on a single track.