Autopistas del Sol underestimates amount of traffic on the new Caldea Highway

It appears that the Autopistas del Sol, the company that built and is operating the new Caldera Highway underestimated the number of vehicles that would be traveling this road.   According to an article in the Tico Times today "From Thursday, Jan. 28 through Jan. 31 – the road's first four day's in operation – an average of 22,897 vehicles traveled the route per day, well above the projected 2,000."  WOW!  that is more than 20,000 per day....or 80,000 in the four day history used.  With tolls being approximately $3.55 to travel from San Jose to the Coast that is that means they have already collected approximately $280,000 more than anticipated during this time frame.  Looks like they are well ahead of their budget!
Of course these numbers are just an estimated example not knowing how far each car traveled on the highway and how many toll booths the wenet through.

I find it very interesting that the original projection was only 2000 vehicles when this highway comes out of such a large city with an estimated population of 1,200,000.  Granted only a portion of that population owns a vehicle and would travel this route but that seems to me to be a VERY low estimate.


It appears that the CNC is putting some interesting requirements on this company to get things in order within a limited time frame or be fined, however, the $5000 is not very painful when you are already collecting $78,000 more per day than anticipated.


Realistically, the only time we have heard of the highway being backed up was the first weekend that it opened which is understandable that many people traveled the highway to simply see it for the first time after waiting 30 something years for it to be ready.  Our personal travels on this amazing new road have been most pleasant, enjoyable and appreciated and all of our friends that have used it have been very happy with the shorter time for travel.


Maybe they could determine what is considered rush hour traffic time and not collect the toll during those hours to allow for a smoother flow of traffic through the toll areas.  There is also an express card I believe that can be purchased in advance that would expedite your time through the toll with the swipe of a card.  Hopefully more people will utilize that service.

Hopefully they will get things worked out to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Read the full article below from the Tico Times:
 

Bottlenecking on new Caldera highway prompts rethink

By Mike McDonald Tico Times Staff | mmcdonald@ticotimes.net

Costa Rica's National Concessions Council (CNC) could modify the toll system on the new San José-Caldera highway, but said they will need one month to study the route's traffic. Due to opening weekend excitement and last minute beach trips before school starts, tens of thousands of cars have traveled the new road in the past two weeks, causing long back-ups at toll booths. The CNC has decided to wait until the thrill calms to measure how many cars will actually use the toll way under normal conditions. To relieve congestion, the CNC suggested that Autopistas del Sol, the Spanish company contracted to build and operate the highway, raise tolls during rush hour to discourage transit at peak times in the morning and the evening. The government institution also requested that Autopistas del Sol devise a plan to expedite toll payments and prevent bottleneck clogs during high-traffic times such as Semana Santa (Easter holy week) and national holidays. Drivers have also complained about the amount of time that it takes toll booth operators to return change. From Thursday, Jan. 28 through Jan. 31 – the road's first four day's in operation – an average of 22,897 vehicles traveled the route per day, well above the projected 2,000. During the four day period, drivers reported waiting for hours at toll booths. The CNC expects Autopistas del Sol to submit new plans by the first week of March, which the concessions council will then evaluate for approval. If rejected, Autopistas del Sol will have five days to revise its plan provided the scheme does not require new construction. If the company decides to build more toll booths, it will have three months to build them. If congestion persists, the CNC will grant drivers free reign of the road and Autopistas del Sol will be fined $5,000 per day for not complying with modifications and deadlines. Drivers will be notified 15 days before any changes take place.