In Costa Rica, authorities debate the future of passenger and cargo rail systems.
Opposing interests have arisen between the proposed urban transportation system, which would use a narrow gauge (1.067 mm), and a private cargo train project linking the ports of the Caribbean and the Pacific, which would use a standard gauge (1.435 mm).
An article in Nacion.com explains both points of view, one by the Costa Rican rail authorities at INCOFER (Costa Rican Rail Transportation Authority), who argue in favor of keeping narrow gauge for both systems, and representatives from the National Concessions Council, who proposed an urban train system ("TREM"), running over standard gauge.
There are six companies interested in the 35-year concession of the Metropolitan Electric Train (TREM).
The project would involve the construction and operation of an electric train. The first section would be between San Jose and Heredia. The total investment is $345 million of which the state will provide $100 million and the remainder would be the responsibility of the concessionaire which will have 35 years to recover the investment.
The Hispanic-Costa Rican Logistics Group presented a proposal today to the government to restart the cargo train service from the different ports to the Central Valley.
The goal is to have Costa Rica transport at least 50% of its cargo by rail in order to reduce the number of trucks on the highways.
The existence of right of way on most of the routes, the considerable amount of cargo that is transferred and the few alternatives for transporting merchandise is what attracted the Spanish, Guillermo Matamoros, Vice-Minister of Concessions, confirmed.
Costa Rica's growing trade has opened an important niche market for the nation's freight trains. This year cargo traffic is expected to grow by 40 percent.
Investment this year will be the highest since the rail system was reshaped for cargo traffic. Though steel and fruit are the main products carried, the aim is to add to the range.