No hidden agenda for decomissioned diablos rojos – ATTT

Panama’s Transit Authority (ATTT), has denied  a hidden agenda for the re-use of diablos rojos that have  been removed from the transport system.

Ricardo Fabrega  director of the ATTT said that next week there will be an invitation to tender for scrap.

Officials from the Ministry Economy and Finance  to Howard to take inventory of the buses .

TVN reported that  he said if  the  buses  were in good condition, they  had not been classified as scrap. But  he sought to downplay suspicions  that they   were being allocated to deputies and politicians, He  believed that some vehicles may be used to serve the community.

Fabrega said that these vehicles have not   been delivered in a personal capacity. Some have gone to the National Police and National Naval Service, but have also been requested by the universities and churches.

He pointed out that  the authority was  not paying $25,000 for buses preiously owned by private operators, but is paying compensation for the loss  of an operating certificates.

Some 1,600 diablos rojos were operating in Panama city.

Critics have voiced concerns about the ATTT definition of  “in good condition”, pointing out that the buses have long been notorious for their emission of black clouds of diesel fumes, and the roar of their engines.