In just a few weeks, hybrid buses will hit the roads between San Jose and Desamparados as part of a new test initiative.
According to Edgar Gutierrez, Minister of Environment, “The aim is to measure the efficiency and maintenance needed to adopt hybrid technology in the country.” The buses will be monitored by the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Construction and Transportation (MOPT), the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) as well as the Ministry of Science and Technology (MICIT). “We are making a significant effort to help Costa Ricans acquire electric cars and [have access to] electric bus companies, so that ultimately, the electric and hybrid technology will be part of the Costa Rican economy,” says Gutierrez.
[quote_box_right]LOOKING FORWARD: Costa Rica Will Have Hydrogen Powered Cars in the Country by 2018[/quote_box_right]The experiment comes as part of the nation’s multifaceted campaign to become carbon neutral by 2021. Numerous companies have already received MINAE’s C-Neutral seal, which premiered in early 2014, and the Ministry keeps expanding with ideas. Soon, even eco-friendly motorcycles will be eligible for special financing benefits.
While some initially wrote off completely neutrality as an overly-idealistic goal, Costa Rica is already over 80% of the way there! If the San Jose-Desamparados route is a success, you can expect that number to increase even more by the end of the year.
