QCOSTARICA – Several groups have promised protests for today Thursday on the streets of San Jose and on several key roads around the country.
Although some organizers have stated that traffic will not be blocked, the slow down of vehicles and partial closure of key arteries is bound to cause congestions throughout the morning.
The initial group of protesters are the infamous “piratas” (gypsy cabs , informal or illegal taxis or porteadores), who are still protesting government inaction on thousands of permits.
Although the government claims to be merely applying the law, which stipulates that the numbe porteador (informal taxi) permits may not exceed a specified ratio according to the number of formal taxi (red taxis) permits issued in each area.
According to Carlos González, the protests will occur on the Autopista General Cañas, the highway between the airport and San Jose; the Ruta 27, the highway between La Sabana and Escazu and Santa Ana; the Ruta 32, the highway to Limón; and major roads in Liberia (Guanacaste), Turrialba (Cartago) and Parrita south of Jaco.
At the same time, the umbrella group for public union workers is planning a march in downtown San Jose, gatherin at the Parque Central starting at 7:00am and by 10:00am move along Avenida Segunda to the Asemblea Legislativa, in front of the Plaza de la Democracia is expected to wreak traffic chaos in the downtown core.
The union workers are protesting against a bill what would cut salaries and create “single salary” plan.
Union leaders have made a call to parents to keep their children home today, and guarantee that hospital and essential services will not be affected.
Up to 100 Transitos (traffic officials) have been assigned to control traffic during the protests, while organizers promise a peaceful demonstration.
