Disappearing diablos rojos fleet topped up

Just when Panamanians thought they were near seeing  the last of the notorious red devils The former director of the Transit Authority (ATTT) in Colon. and 19 others have b een accused of continuing to import them.

The importation of the air and noise polluting decommissioned US school b uses  was prohibited by two executive decrees:  208 of  April 19, 2011 and 780 of  November25,  2011.

Rsearch has revealed that Blas Rodriguez authorized the importation of buses on the pretext that these were for private use, but many of the vehicles ended up on routes later on the Atlantic coast and in La Chorrera.

A single document signed by Rodriguez, included the import of over 100 of the over the hill vehicles.

As the diablos rojos are taken out of service, owners have been receiving $25,000 compensation and the buses hav e been auctioned for scrap.

The president of the National Chamber of Transport, Dionisio Ortega said that the organization was not opposed to allegations and investigations but added:. "I am sure that all partners have acted within the law and comply with agreements with the State” b ut asked the government authorities not to disclose names.