Taxi drivers start protest one day early in San Jose causing traffic problems

San Jose [TCRN] – Official or ‘Formal’ taxi drivers on Monday blocked streets around the Casa Presidencial in San José in the area of Zapote. They official strike was to start Tuesday to protest granting informal taxi drivers permits by the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT).

When the informal taxi drivers (porteadores) announced they would hold a protest demonstration Tuesday, the formal taxi drivers moved their protest to today in a surprise move.

The road between the San Pedro roundabout and bridge in Zapote blocked traffic, prompting police to block access to the offices of President Laura Chinchilla.

Taxi drivers are upset over disputed previous agreement that would limit the number of permits granted to informal taxi drivers.

Tomorrow is expected to be much worse downtown, and numerous other taxi drivers are expected to join the demonstrations.

The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica