Costa Rican public transportation representatives announced Monday that bus companies throughout the country will waive bus fare for voters heading to the polls on Feb. 7.

The “free ride” will only be in selected locations, including San José-Alajuela, San José-Puntarenas, San José-Turrialba, San José-Santa Cruz, Nicoya-Liberia and other specific areas throughout metropolitan San José. The full list will be published online Wednesday on the Web site of the Supreme Elections Tribunal: http://www.tse.go.cr.

“We want to tell the people of Costa Rica that transportation will not be an obstacle,” said Maritza Hernández, who represents the Chamber of Transportation, at a press conference on Monday. Turning to cameras, she told voters, “For the future of our kids, go out and vote.”

Voters need only their national identification card and proof of legal age to ride the participating buses free of charge.

In addition to free bus rides, many political parties are offering complimentary transportation to party members needing to get to the polls. In an effort to get every possible supporter, they've organized an ad-hoc taxi service, which can be accessed by contacting the parties directly.

More information about free bus rides can be obtained by calling 2283-1820 or 2283-1712.

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