Panama Metro returns to normal schedule

With 30 stations on two lines and a third under construction, the Panama Metro is the first subway system in Central America and returned to its normal opening hours on Tuesday, January 24.

These are the updated schedules of Line 1 and Line 2

Working days: (Monday to Friday) from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm (18 hours).

Saturdays: from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m.).

Sundays and holidays: from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (15 hours

The Secretariat has indicated that the updated cost estimate for this railway is $1.88 billion, including relocation of public services and administration and engineering expenses.

After the decrease in the waves of COVID-19, since May 2022  the Panama Metro adjusted its operational strategy, starting commercial service at 4:30 a.m., and coordinating internal programming logistics.

The Metro has joined the list of pioneering countries in implementing digital payment methods, through the use of contactless debit and credit cards at Line 1 and 2 stations.

Users by bringing their contactless card to one of the identified validators will be able to enter any of the stations and make their regular route. Upon arrival at the station where ride ends, they must again validate the trip.

Master Route
The Secretariat carried out the studies and route design of the future lines of the Panama City metro. The “Master Route” presents the development of a metro transport system that will cover the city in its metropolitan area.

The design includes three metro lines, which will run through Panama City, a suburban train that will link the districts of Arraiján and Chorrera with the city center, and a tram along the Cinta Costera to  Casco Viejo.

Héctor Ortega, general director of the Panama Metro, recently expressed that the underground section of Line 3, which registers 32% progress, includes a tunnel and since the change was made, a preliminary budget was prepared and has been maintained, despite the unforeseen increase in the cost of materials the additional cost with the underground section is approximately $428 million with the preliminary designs.

“ The Environmental Impact Study reflects a figure of $528 million; However, the underground section has some credits, an estimate of $100 million from the original contract, ”he explained.

Boring machine
Some works have begun on the underground section and  in 60 to 75 days the construction of the attack shaft through which the tunnel boring machine will enter should begin, after it arrives in the country and is assembled to start the tunneling process.