TRANSPORTATION
The roads in Panama City are usually well-maintained and safe, but they can be heavily congested and some intersections do not have traffic lights. However, Panama City has been working on updating is transportation system.
Although program attendees will have organized transportation to and from the airport, as well as to select group meetings, those interested in experiencing local transportation are welcome to do so. Despite the fact that petty theft and pick-pocketing has decreased in recent years due to the city’s urbanization, it is still something to be cautious about. Travel smartly, just like you would in any other big city in the
United States.
Although program attendees will have organized transportation to and from the airport, as well as to select group meetings, those interested in experiencing local transportation are welcome to do so. Despite the fact that petty theft and pick-pocketing has decreased in recent years due to the city’s urbanization, it is still something to be cautious about. Travel smartly, just like you would in any other big city in the
United States.
TAXIS Taxis are also an excellent option for getting around Panama City. Please note that there are no taximeters inside the taxis in Panama. Instead, taxis use a formula based on zones and number of passengers. You should ask the driver what the fare will be before boarding. Yellow taxis (public taxis) are very common in Panama City, and they are also quite cheap (rides to most local points of interest should be $2-5). Public taxis are known for their speeding, so please be sure to buckle up! In addition to taxis, Uber operates full service in Panama City. BOAT RIDES If you plan on traveling by boat, be wary of your surroundings. Avoid suspicious vessels and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. METRO BUSES In the last couple of years, Panama City has introduced a new line of Metro Buses that are meant to replace the previously existing multi-colored school buses, known as “Diablo Rejos” (Red Devils). The Metro Buses are inexpensive ($2.00 for the Rapi pass, $.25 per trip within the city, $1.25 per trip outside of the city center) and air conditioned. Routes are clearly marked. You can purchase Metro Bus cards at nearly any grocery store, pharmacy, or news stand, and the same card can be used for metros as well. The cards make boarding easy (just scan your card and take a seat or stand) and transferring a breeze (scan your card before exiting the bus to give yourself a 40 minute transfer window at no charge). Many locals use the Metro Bus system, so you can count on crowded buses in most cases. Also, due to the congestion of Panama’s traffic, Metro Buses may be delayed by up to two hours. Additionally, because Panama experiences heavy rains from April to December, this can lead to road closings. All bus routes are posted online, at http://www.mibus.com.pa/rutas/ . METRO TRAINS Panama City has also opened the first metro system in Central America. Its Metro Line 1 (red line) is fully operational. As mentioned above, you can use the same Rapi pass ($2) for both metro buses and metro trains. Since June 15, 2014, the cost of a metro ride is 35 cents. For a metro map, please visit the following link: http://www.elmetrodepanama.com/linea-1/ . |