Martinelli calls for passenger patience and new energy matrix
PRESIDENT Ricardo Martinelli has once again called on Panama’s long suffering users of public transit to have "a little patience".
He said that once the new buses arrive, the streets are ready, and payment locations are in place the transport system must improve.
The President said that by the end of 2013 or early 2014 water, sewer and transportation back must be resolved. "We're doing something … the others did nothing."
Wednesday, May 15, marks two months since the Metro Bus routes were fully implemented in the capital. Since then there have been constant complaints of long waits, not enough buses, lack of locations to top up transit cards and frustrated passengers forcing their way in though exit doors without swiping their passes.
The government and the operators of the transit system have been engaged in a regular “lay the blame” game and passengers have received multiple promises of improvements.
ENERGY CRISIS
Martinelli , who was speaking on TVN Noticias, said it was necessary to change the country's energy matrix. "It is important that the Panamanians know that we have to change the energy matrix, "We need to increase energy sources to keep prices down," he said.
Climate change worldwide and in Panama has changed the rainfall, summers and winters, said Martinelli.
Therefore, we must be more aware of what is happening to the environment, he added.
On the energy crisis in the country, Martinelli said it's starting to rain, "a little, not what we want." He welcomed the efforts that have been made throughout the country to save energy.