Uber spells pirate in Panama

UBER in Panama is on a par with “pirate” transportation according to the Transport Authority (ATTT) and hefty fines are being handed out to those detected attempting to provide the service.

The news was welcomed by  taxi drivers who mounted a protest on Avenida Balboa with a convoy of yellow hornets , on Tuesday  March 29

In the meantime government tax inspectors (DGI) descended on an  Uber job fair

“TheUber  platform is violating the law,” said Taxi union  leader Rafael Reyes, adding that  similar protests were underway in Argentina and would continue Wednesday and beyond in Panama. “It is a right that we have paid for”

He asked the ATTT to  halt the operations of the company.

Ulysses Calvo, director of legal advice at  the ATTT said that Uber is outside the “transport scheme” and that, for example, the airport has sanctioned drivers who have been providing the service of that company.

The penalty imposed, he added, is “piracy”, which is $ 150 for the first time. And the second would be $ 300.

Asked if  Uber was illegal in Panama he said: “Well, if we apply the piracy sanction it means that it  is not within the framework of legality,” said the official.

Calvo also urged taxi drivers to improve service and charge a fair price for the user to avoid other options.