$40,000 in fines sparks improved Metro bus service

FINES levied against the operators of Panama's Metro bus service are nearing the $40,000 mark and seem to have sparked an improvement in service.

Roberto Moreno, manager of the Transit Authority (ATTT), said Saturday, April 20 that there have been vast improvements by Metro Bus operator Mi Bus.

"Public transport has improved and will continue to improve as the ATTT continues to demand better service for users," Moreno said.

He said that Mi Bus has reduced waiting times at stops and is improving the quality of service.

The agency has also assigned 150 officers to 60 problem areas in Panama City to reduce traffic congestion. Moreno said this would continue until construction on the major projects in the cityis completed

Moreno said  passengers are fully entitled to make their claims and are justified in feeling frustrated.

He repeated that  the  ATTT is demanding that Mi Bus meets the needs of the users who should continue to  report problems to the transit authority so they can be addressed.

To date, Mi Bus owes $39,032 in fines levied by the ATTT for poor service since March 26.

There has been no word yet about the “Free” bus service proposed by the city’s mayor and scheduled to go into service on April 15. At last hearing, the direct $250,000 contract contained “irregularities.”