According to the Association GS Uno Costa Rica, implementing electronic fare collection in public transport should include every citizen. Therefore, they suggest a dual mechanism.
The key is to have several, coexisting options and solutions so that the user can purchase prepaid cards in different outlets, or use a bank card,”
said Guillermo Varela, executive director of the organization.
Another option is offered by the company GoPass.
Isaac Portocarrero, general manager, explains that they offer a reader that handles payments by proximity through NFC technology on stickers sold in 20,000 stores in the country, through the Aló network (same that manages the Kölbi pre-payment system). The stickers can be recharged in cash or linked to a bank account.
However, the lack of political will is the main obstacle for many entrepreneurs who have not been able to invest in technological equipment to move towards electronic fare collection.
Transport companies such as La Perí, Consorcio Operativo del Este (Coesa), Autotransportes Sabana Cementerio, Cámara de Autobuseros del Atlántico, Musoc and Autotransportes Desamparados have valued the option of implementing the system, but expect clear policies from the authorities to avoid purchasing the wrong equipment.