Stop gap bus service a windfall for provider

The direct contract be signed by Panama’s Mayor for 10 days of emergency bus service, will earn the company an average of 35 cents for each passenger carried.

 The diablos rojos that were recently superseded by Metro Buses earned 25 cents for each adult passenger and 10 cents for schoolchildren.
The municipality will hire the Interbus, SA company for 10 days for $250,000 to move an estimated 71,520 users who will travel free to and from crisis spots like December 24.
City Councillors, who with one exception voted for the move to bail out the troubled Metro Bus service, have been quoted as saying they will not be prepared to support the mayor with a second rescue package.
No details have emerged about the type of bus to be used and David Ramirez, leader of the October 23 Movement, a passengers’ rights group, hopes that the buses have insurance, emergency door and qualified drivers.
Meanwhile President Ricardo Martinelli has threatened the Mi Bus company with more fines if it does not meet its obligations.