In as little as two months riding the bus in the metro area will become a little less sloppy and will start to resemble other metro area technologies that expats and tourists are familiar with. Eight inter-city bus lines will begin to accept payment via a chip on your phone (TAG) or an electronic card. 

Many do not realize that each route here is owned by a different company. This makes it more difficult for one central governing body to distribute all route information and maintain well-marked bus stops, which is the biggest problem for visitors, 'how the hell do I find the bus stops or get anywhere in SJO on public transport!' 

While there won't be a decent 'bus map' coming out anytime soon, this new payment method will be a foundation-laying collaboration between the Santa Ana, Escazú, Moravia, Curridabat, Tres Ríos, barrio Luján, Sabana-Cementerio and Estadio bus routes. 

Users can obtain the chip or card for free in a Banco Nacional or pulperias located near the bus stops. A minimum charge of 6.000 is required for either, and the route price will be deducted each time you board one of these buses. This will help riders more easily track their transport expenditures, and help the drivers move more quickly without having to count change at each stop, not to mention the extra security for drivers not having as much cash on the bus. 

This product has already been tested over two years, most specifically with the 'seniors' card currently accepted on buses by the product developer Corporación de Investigación Electrónica. The company is also trying to work with the cell phone companies to reach an agreement to provide extra free minutes or some kind of incentive to users with the cell phone chip. 

There are many nuances that have made San Jose feel like such an 'other world' experience for visitors and I would say paying with cash and even receiving exact change on the buses is one. With this change we'll see better efficiencies but a little part of a more simple (yet somehow more complicated) way of life will disappear. Can I be happy and sad about this? If you want specific directions on how to travel by bus in San Jose please contact our concierge staff. 

How fun! We are included on this Insider's Guide: 5 Fun Outdoor Activities in San Jose, Costa Rica. 

You also don't want to miss the essential '5 Must Know Phrases in Costa Rica'. If you have questions about indoor OR outdoor activities to enjoy while you are in San Jose check out our concierge service. 

Book 1 of 5 city walking tours.

"While Costa Rica is best known for its biodiversity, lush jungles, volcanoes, and abundance of beaches, San José has its own unique attractions. Erin Morris, from De la Pura Vida, is a US expat living in Costa Rica. She shares with us some of her favorite venues, activities and dishes that many visitors may not know to find READ MORE>> "

Renewable Energy Festival Celebrates Carbon-neutral efforts.

The NGO Fundación Pro Energías Renovables (FUPER) is promoting Costa Rica's goal to be the first carbon-neutral country in the world by its Bicentennial in 2021.  The organization will be host to an incredible 4-day SW!CH festival kicking off next Wednesday, December 12.

The National Stadium will be full, inside and out, December 12 - 15 of concerts, movies and activities to reconnect attendees with Mother Earth and generate greater public consciousness regarding renewable energies.

A daytime feria will begin each day where participants can join a massive yoga class, form a human mandala, meet vendors of renewable energy products  in Costa Rica, and sign an accord with Mother Earth hosted by the Gaia Foundation and the International Human Rights Consortium.

Each afternoon, film and environment lovers alike can catch green themed movies shown by the Criterio Ambiental Film Festival (CRAFF).

Evening concerts will close the festival each day and is a fantastic opportunity to see some of Costa Rica’s best rock and reggae bands including Sonámbulo, Editus 360, Cocofunka and 424.

The festival headliner event is Friday evening and will feature the Mexican rap/rock band Molotov after just releasing its newest album, and the recently reunited funk group Illya Kuryaki and the Valderramas from Argentina.

4-Day Festival Passes are 8.000, 1-Day 2.000, after 4 p.m. each day 4.000. Friday night’s concert is 25.000. Tickets to the international concert are available at www.mundoticket.com.  

And hey! It's an environmental friendly event so why not consider alternative methods to arrive to the festival on bus, bike or foot. Maybe you even want to do a walking tour before hand? 

Full activity schedule is available at https://www.facebook.com/FUPERCR.


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