The new Xochi road, developed by the company of the same name, is already in operation on the section that connects San Antonio Suchitepéquez (kilometer 142) with Retalhuleu (kilometer 172)on the South Coast of the country.
According to information provided by the company Xochithis first phase of operation seeks to streamline mobility in the region, although for now only the complete route of the route is enabled. 31 kilometerswhile work continues on intermediate accesses.
Six payment methods enabled on the Xochi highway
The company reported that users have six authorized payment methods to transit through the Corridor of Flowers:
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Compass (BAC)
- Ebigo (Industrial Bank)
- Tag Xochiofficial device of the company
According to Xochi, the incorporation of new payment systems will be gradual as the operation of the road progresses.
Only the full tour is allowed for now
Although the highway has intermediate accesses, in this initial stage it is only allowed to circulate between the ends of the section: from San Antonio, Suchitepéquez to Retalhuleu.
Entries and exits located in kilometers 152 (Mazatenango) and 162 (Cuyotenango) They are not yet enabled, since they remain in the adaptation process.
Rates: how much does it cost to use the Xochi highway
The regular rate for private vehicles and motorcycles is Q15 for each 10 kilometer section. However, during this initial phase a special fee applies. Q35 for traveling the entire route.
For other types of vehicles, the rates are as follows:
- 2 and 3 axle buses: Q30
- 2-axle trucks: Q35
- 3 and 4 axle trucks: Q50
- Heavy duty 5 and 6 axles: Q70
- Lightweight additional axle: Q20
- Heavy additional axle: Q30
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Special rate valid until September 15
As reported by the company Xochithrough its website, the promotional rate of Q35 will be valid until September 15. From that date on, the regular rate will be Q45 for the complete tour or of Q15 for every 10 kilometersdepending on the section used.
This promotion applies only to cars and motorcycles. Subsequently, the benefit will be maintained only for those who have acquired the Tag Xochi before that date.
Operating hours in the initial phase
The highway currently operates 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.although the company announced in a statement on social networks that the hours could be gradually expanded as the operation progresses.
Maximum speed and road regulations
The regulations established by Xochi indicates that the maximum speed allowed throughout the corridor is 80km/hunder international road safety standards AASHTO and SIECA.
The specific limits are:
- Straight sections: 80 km/h
- Curves and bridges: 60 km/h
- Service areas and tolls: 30 km/h
- Rain or low visibility: speed adjusted according to conditions
Furthermore, the minimum permitted speed is 40km/h. Vehicles traveling below that limit must stay in the right lane.
Vehicles and activities not permitted
The company Xochi He detailed that they will not be able to enter the corridor:
- Mototaxis (tuc-tuc)
- Motorcycles without the use of helmets by passengers
- Animal or human traction vehicles
- Agricultural machinery
- Pedestrians and cyclists
- Vehicles with overhanging load
- Buses with stops within the corridor
It is also prohibited to litter, damage vegetation or affect wildlife within the road.
Fines and sanctions
Failure to comply with the regulations may result in sanctions established in the Guatemala Traffic Law, according to information published on the project website.
Serious violations include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Avoid paying toll
- Circulate in the opposite direction
Minor offenses include:
- Do not use turn signals when changing lanes.
- Stop the vehicle and pull over to the side of the road (berm or side area designated for emergencies), without there being an emergency situation that justifies it.
- Hands-free cell phone use
- Not respecting the minimum speed
The sanctions, as detailed on the same site, are applied by the Municipal Traffic Police (PMT) of each municipality, since the company Xochi manages the corridor, but has no power to impose fines.
For this purpose, we will proceed to prevent the continuity of circulation and will be notified to the corresponding PMT to intervene and carry out the corresponding procedure.