The proposal to build a fast train to solve transportation problems is considered viable by different sectors.
Rodrigo Avila of the Arena party said they are preparing groundwork for bidding on the fast train project, which will require state and private investment.
Elsalvador.com reports, "According to Avila ... will install a committee made of technicians and experts in the field to discuss financing and infrastructure to kick-start the project. He said the project contemplated a sky train with two lanes, similar to the one at the U.S. city of Miami.”
The government is due to present its Transportation Master Plan soon.
In a press conference, the president, Laura Chincilla, disclosed that part of the plan is to review the inter-urban bus project (known as “Interlíneas”). This project struggled under the previous government.
Also being considered is extending the rail network managed by the Costa Rican Rail Transportation Institute (INCOFER) as well as revisiting the Metropolitan Electric Train project (TREM).
This was stated by the French Ambassador in Costa Rica, Fabrice Delloye, at a meeting in held in the town of Jacó.
French businessmen and their government expressed their interest of cooperating and investing in developing renewable energy sources, and participating in the electric train project.
“The meeting was held at hotel Villa Caletas, and saw the participation of French diplomats from Central America, Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia”, reported Nacion.com.
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.
Cargo and passenger transportation fell 30% between November 2008 and June 2009.
The drop in cargo transportation was caused by a considerable reduction in sea shipping activity from companies like Maersk, APL and Evergreen.
"Passenger transportation was also hit with a 30% reduction", reported Prensa.com, "this is explained by the inauguration of the Panama-Colón Highway".
The cooperation agreement signed by both countries includes conducting feasibility studies for a train system.
Other topics included in the agreement are extending the electric interconnection between both countries, and cultural and educational exchange programs.
"The document was signed in Panama City by Costa Rican president Oscar Arias and Panamanian head of state Ricardo Martinelli.
The urban electric train, a $345 million project, would be awarded in 2010.
A draft bid tender was presented by the National Concessions Council. 11 companies have shown interest in constructing and operating the train for 35 years.
"From the eleven candidates, six stand out for their previous experience developing train systems: CAF (Spain), Alston (France), Inekon Group (Czech Republic), Bombardier (Canada), Siemens (Germany) and Daebon Engineering - Hyundai Rotem (South Korea)", reports Nacion.com.
Experts from France and the Dominican Republic will conduct a feasibility study for developing a metro system in the metropolitan area.
Engineers and geologists from both countries will arrive to Guatemala in September, and will evaluate the possibility of building a metro or a surface train.
Panamá América published declarations by Rafael Espada, Guatemalan Vice President: "...
Upon assuming the Presidency of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli assured that this will be the best way to create jobs and prosperity for all.
In his inaugural address, the new leader emphasized that he will push a liberal economic model, going against the “ideological pendulum in Latin America.”
He said that he would rely on his experience in Panama’s private sector, promising to open doors to investment, reduce bureaucracy of the State, and impose “agility, efficiency, and transparency” to the process beginning today.
For the new port to be able to compete with other ports in the region and as an inter-oceanic canal, La Unión needs a train connection to Guatemala.
The former president of the Autonomous Executive Commission (CEPA), Hugo Barrera, said, "If the railway between La Unión Port y Santo Tomás de Castilla in Guatemala cannot be rehabilitated, it will just be another port."
The Monteverde Trainforest, an ecological train with a 3 kilometer journey and an investment of $7 million, hopes to have 50 thousand visitors a year.
The company is planning to open the tourism train in May 2009. It is currently negotiating with medical tourism and cruise operators to attract customers. Additionally, it is planning to make alliances with hotels and tourism services in the area to expand the options for the visitor.
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.
A high-speed train to link all of Central America from Guatemala to Panama was proposed at a meeting in Costa Rica of public works and transport ministers of the region.
Karla González, said the proposal had originally been raised in the context of the Mexican-led Puebla-Panama Plan. "It's just an idea at the moment but all the ministers are behind it," she added.
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.