Metro Subway opens Saturday April 5

PANAMA’S METRO SUBWAY will open on Saturday April 5, just four weeks ahead of the elections.

Barring any major glitches the opening is seen as President Ricardo Martinelli’s ruling coalition’s ace in the hole for a return to power.
The system will be formally opened at 4:00 pm and rides will be free, pending Martinelli’s decision on ticket pricing. He has previously announced (via Twitter) that the price will not exceed one dollar.
Panama engineers have predicted that the system’s up upkeep, without any major snafus will cost $196 million a year.
The announcement was made at a press conference on Thursday by Presidency Minister Roberto Henriquez and Metro supremo Roberto Roy.
They said that Citizens can use the Metro on Sunday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm so long as they have have any of the following cards: the Metro Bus, or the Rapid Pass or the commemorative Metro Pass (available for $2).
The passes are to gain access to the platforms via the turnstiles. Riding the rails will be free said Henriquez . Roy said that this will be a process of adaptation, until it’s time to charge for the use of the new transport system .
On Monday the system will run from 5:00 am until 10:00 pm.

When pricing is finally announced, there will be student discount of 50 % and discounts of 30% for jubilados (senior citizens) and people with disabilities