www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I don't remember my source on this:
ARESEP, the government agency that approves tariffs, has approved a two-stage increase in taxi fares. Current fares will be increased 56%. A later increase will raise fares a total of 106% by November 15th (2004) in comparison to current rates. At this time the charge for first kilometer will be increased from 285 to 310 colones. The charge for additional kilometers will be increased from 150 to 230 colones. Waiting time will be increased from 1,200 to 1,495 colones per hour.

By November 15th, the first kilometer will be 330 colones, each additional kilometer will be 300 colones, and an hour's waiting time will be 1,790. ARESEP is also studying 5 to 15 colon increase in bus fares in the metropolitan area.

Similar info from Tico Times, August 2004:
Authorities Approve Steep Taxi-Rate Hike

By the end of the year, taxi fares will double. The Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) approved the first phase yesterday, which will increase the base rate by 8.7% and the per-kilometer rate by 43.7%.

That means the base rate will rise from ¢285 ($0.59) to ¢310 ($0.64) and the meters will now charge ¢230 ($0.48) per km rather than the previous rate of ¢160 ($0.33) per km.

Also, a new traffic jam fee will be levied – ¢2,300 ($4.70) per hour – which kicks in when the car runs under 10 km per hour.

The cost of making a driver wait will rise, too, from ¢1,200 ($2.49) per hour to ¢1,495 ($3.10), an increase of 24.5%.

The rates will take effect when the changes are published in the official government daily La Gaceta, today or sometime next week.

A second round of rate hikes of nearly the same degree will occur in November.

Taxi Drivers to Wear Uniform and Display Rates
http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/20 ... /nac08.htm

Wit,

Great information. I know that this has been discussed here before, but it's good to see it again. These fare increases affect all of us.

I was interested to note that nothing was mentioned about airport taxi fares. The going rate is still $12.00 ($15.00 to some hotels); hotels which offer airport shuttle service (such as the SL) can and will charge a good deal more. Currently, the charge from the airport to the SL is $20.00 for a cab the hotel arranges for you.

Even with the fare increases, taxis are still IMHO a bargain in San Jose. Local folks however may see it differently.

_________________
Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.