No voy compounded by no plates

Panama taxi drivers, renowned for their “no voy” replies if they are not heading your way, may now become “no drive” operators.

“No voy” means I’m not going there, but in the vernacular can be translated as “get lost.” Earlier in the year there was a one day police drive to book drivers who voiced the dismissive words. Then things returned to normal

Those who have not renewed  their license plates will have to stay off the road from Friday October 1 says the transit authority (ATTT).  

Without revealing how many license owners were delinquient, ATTT director Jorge Ricardo Fabrega  speaking on Telemetro, said there are some owners with as many as four unpaid plates.

According to Fabrega, agency representatives met with owners to help them get  their paperwork up to date, but after two days many have failed. He added that taxi drivers who do  not have their plates  in place will be fined.

The cost of the plates for carriers engaged in public service is $10.