Riders

alt(Panama-Guide) - El Siglo -  Panama's new mass transportation system known as the "Metro Bus" started operations yesterday, starting with the routes of the Southern Corridor. The 70 articulated buses became the center of attention for both bus riders and reporters who lined up to buy tickets to ride on the system that promises to do away with the messy "Red Devil" buses, which until recently operated on that route. Those who had doubts saw workers occupying the buses at 4:00 am to start operations. The images showed a Metro bus full of people, to be exact 35 were seated and there were another 50 standing passengers (the maximum capacity of the bus). 'Like sardines in a can, we are traveling on this bus that is supposed to be comfortable, safe and reliable," said Isabel Rodriguez. Those who used the routes of Pedregal and Don Bosco were upset because they had to pay $1.25 to ride standing. Although the operating company Mass Transit Panama took its 70 buses to the streets, demand exceeded supply. Iván Posada, the manager of the operating company, said traveling while standing on a Metro Bus is an advantage, without explaining the virtues to which he referred. 

 
NUISANCE AND DAMAGE - More than 100 people who were waiting to board a bus at the entrance of Pedregal had to wait hours to board just one bus. They had to pay as they boarded, and this delayed the process. The Minister of the Presidency, Jimmy Papadimitriu, said the cash payments will continue until next January, when the new e-card system will be implemented. Several adults traveled while standing, although there are seats that are supposed to be exclusively for them that were occupied by young people. Authorities said the users should reclaim the seats. At 8:15 am, one bus broke down when making its first trip. Papadimitriu, in defending the system, said it is still too early to launch criticisms.
 
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Original Source: Panama-Guide
Date Retrieved: December 29, 2010.