Diablos Rojos banned from the Corridors
Panama’s notorious Diablos Rojos (red devils) can no longer travel on the north and south corridors following publication of an executive a decree in the Official Gazette.
Drivers caught violating the rule will face fines from $500 to $2000.
The decorated former school buses, long past their prime, are loved by camera clicking tourists, but hated by those concerned with air and noise pollution. They also have a long and tragic record of deaths on the road, including crashes and running down of pedestrians. Many accidents have been caused by drivers racing against other buses to pick up passengers, and police checks have frequently identified large numbers who have been drinking or taking drugs, and many with outstanding traffic fines mounting to well over $1000.
They are scheduled to disappear from the streets of Panama by year end.