Urban Transportation Business Opportunities in Central America

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in San José has identified significant urban transportation infrastructure investment opportunities across Central America. Governments are seeking international partners for the design, financing, and implementation of modern mass transit systems to combat congestion and pollution in major cities. These efforts include metros, light rail, and cable car systems backed by international financial institutions. Dutch companies are well-positioned to support these initiatives with proven expertise in smart mobility, public transport engineering, and climate-resilient design.

Developments

Urbanization, congestion, and rising emissions are driving governments in Central America to act. With more than $2.6 billion in confirmed urban transit projects underway or planned, supported by institutions like the World Bank and US Army Corps of Engineers, the time is right for Dutch firms to enter. Projects in Guatemala and Costa Rica are in the pipeline for implementation starting from 2025 onward.

Opportunities for Dutch Businesses

Costa Rica

- Costa Rica Fast Passenger Train (TRP): $600 million | Greenfield | Bidirectional 84 km light rail connecting Cartago, San José, Heredia, and Alajuela.

Feasibility under review, credit request phase expected by Q4 2025.

For whom does this currently represent an opportunity?

Railway system designers, engineering consultants, train manufacturers, sustainable transport tech providers.

Why Dutch businesses?

The Netherlands is a global leader in sustainable rail and public transport integration. Dutch expertise in smart mobility, project structuring, and environmental design aligns perfectly with Costa Rica’s ambitions for a clean, connected future.

Guatemala

- Guatemala City Metro (Blue Line): $975 million | 12 km metro, 8 stations | Capacity 450,000 passengers/day
  Tender expected early 2026. World Bank technical support.
- MetroRiel (White Line): $930 million | 20.5 km light rail, 20 stations | Capacity 250,000/day | Tender expected March 2026
- Aerometro Cable Car (Phase I): $152.8 million | 9 km, 288 cabins, 10 stations | PPP awarded; construction phase begins Q3 2025

For whom does this currently represent an opportunity?

Companies specialized in urban metro/light rail systems, civil works, signaling and control, PPP project management, and cable car technology.

Why Dutch businesses?

Dutch firms are globally recognized for delivering advanced, sustainable, and integrated public transport infrastructure. Their strengths in energy-efficient urban mobility, PPP delivery models, and user-centric design are a strong match for Guatemala’s urban transport agenda.

More Information

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in San José, with support from regional consulates, maintains direct links with ministries, municipalities, and PPP agencies. Dutch companies can receive assistance in identifying tenders, exploring consortia partnerships, and participating in trade missions and mobility expos.

Contact

Interested in exploring urban transportation projects in Central America?

Contact:
Hans E. Buhrs, MBA
Senior Officer, Economic Affairs
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for Central America
hans.buhrs@minbuza.nl | +506 8427 8987
www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/landen/costa-rica