37 new bus stops across six provinces
Costa Rica is set to build 37 new bus stops designed to improve accessibility, safety and comfort for public transport users. The project will include facilities adapted to the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and those with reduced mobility.
Of the 37 stops, 17 will be built by the Municipality of San José. The remaining 20 will be developed through the Paratod@s Fund, an initiative by Fundación CRUSA in partnership with Fundación Yamuni Tabush and Portafolio Inmobiliario.
A total of 21 local governments across six provinces have been selected to participate in the initiative: Barva, Buenos Aires, Cartago, Cóbano, Corredores, Curridabat, Dota, Heredia, La Unión, Montes de Oca, Moravia, Nicoya, Oreamuno, Paquera, San José, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, Santo Domingo, Sarapiquí, Sarchí and Turrialba.
Each municipality may receive up to $10,000 to build or improve bus stops. The programme also provides for complementary resources to improve the surrounding areas and ensure maintenance.
Bus stops designed for different needs
The initiative aims to make public transport infrastructure more inclusive by taking into account the different needs of passengers. Improvements may include better access for people with reduced mobility, safer pedestrian crossings and improved lighting around bus stops.
These changes are particularly important for people who face additional difficulties when accessing public transport, including older adults, wheelchair users and people with visual impairments.
An example of inclusive infrastructure
A similar approach can already be seen in Tibás, where a Paratodos bus stop was inaugurated in July 2026.
The facility includes a ramp and steps leading to a raised boarding platform, benches at different heights, tactile paving to help people with visual impairments, LED lighting and a roof designed to provide protection from the rain and heat.
The project also incorporates elements reflecting the identity of the local community, showing how public infrastructure can combine accessibility, comfort and local character.
A response to an ageing population
Improving access to public transport is also becoming increasingly important as Costa Rica’s population ages.
According to population projections from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), by 2050, one in four people in Costa Rica will be aged 65 or over.
Accessible bus stops and safer pedestrian routes can therefore play an important role in helping older adults maintain their independence and continue participating in community life.
Towards more accessible public transport
The development of accessible bus stops is part of a broader effort to improve public transport in Costa Rica. In May 2026, the Public Services Regulatory Authority (ARESEP) reported requests from people with disabilities concerning accessibility, including suitable ramps, more accessible stop bells, better access to information and improved conditions when boarding buses.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), the Public Transport Council (CTP), ARESEP and the Costa Rican Railway Institute (INCOFER) are also working towards a national information system for public transport users. The project aims to make information about routes, stops, schedules, frequencies, fares and service alerts more accessible.
Together, these initiatives reflect a growing recognition that public transport infrastructure must be designed to serve all members of society.
Sources
- La República – “Costa Rica tendrá 37 nuevas paradas de autobús sostenibles e inclusivas” (October 23, 2026).
- Fundación CRUSA – Paratod@s Fund: information on the programme supporting sustainable and inclusive bus stops.
- Municipality of Tibás – Inauguration of the accessible Paratodos bus stop (July 2026).
- ARESEP – “Personas con discapacidad solicitan mejores condiciones en el servicio de bus” (May 14, 2026).
- MOPT – “Costa Rica avanza hacia un Sistema Nacional de Información para las personas usuarias del transporte público” (August 25, 2026).
- INEC – Costa Rica population projections.
