Taxi meters for Panama on the distant horizon

Metered taxis are on Panama’s horizon, but the horizon is a long way off.

Recent trial runs were successful, says the Transit Authority (ATTT) but they won’t be introduced  until the planned construction of roads, flyovers, underpasses and the metro subway is completed, and the best projections for that are sometime late in 2014.

ATTT Director Jorge Ricardo Fábrega said that putting meters in cabs now would not be fair to drivers or passengers but transport officials  are confident meters will eventually be used.

Taxi union leader Rafael Reyes said that the implementation of meters, which will contain a GPS would be helpful for drivers as they will be able to use them to contact police for assistance in the event of a robbery. Another benefit would be providing business travelers with a printed receipt for their fare.