The (TREM) or Metropolitan Electric Train is expected to running between San José and Heredia by 2013.

The electric train will greatly reduce travel time in San José by reducing traffic congestion and reduce smog.

The cost of the project would be us$345 million dollars.

Miguel Carabaguíaz, presidente del Instituto Nacional de Ferrocarriles (INCOFER), said “we are taking a step towards modernization and what we are looking for is to offer better service to all Costa Ricans.”

Carabaguíaz said that the feasibility studies have already been done, which has already determined the routes and if all goes well, the electric train could be running by 2013.

The INCOFER has been running the diesel power train service between San Pedro and downtown San José and Pavas for some years. Last month it began operating between San José and Heredia route, using tracks that had been abandoned for more than a decade and purchasing locomotives and cars from Spain. Currently it is analyzing expanding the diesel train service between San José and Cartago.

The “urban train” as it is called currently only operates during mornings and afternoons on weekdays.