Transit authority moves to curb pirate buses

Pirates have played a big role in Panama's history, and not only on the high seas. On Wednesday  the Transit Authority moved to curb pirate buses. Taxis are also in their sights.

The operation, began at dawn, leaving many users of time of the so-called “pirates" stranded. It also added one more  ingredient to Panama's traaic snarl challenges. "Obviously there will be pain," said Marcos Mora, head of ATTT operations and security, but  the measure was necessary given the gross irregularities have been detected among the "pirates." 

The irregularities, said Mora included lack of security for passengers and vehicles operating without documentation. "We will apply the law"  he said on  TVN News.  The authority provided extra buses to get passengers to the city center.

Licensed buses and taxi owners have been complaining about the growing number of illegal, uninsured operators.