The possibility of tendering Metro feeder routes and Metro Bus in Panama City and San Miguelito is being analyzed.
Government Minister Milton Henriquez, said that the aim of the eventual granting in concession of routes by tender is "... that transportation be a single integrated system which includes the Metro, Metro Bus and feeder routes."
The president of the National Chamber of Transport, Dionisio Ortega told Prensa.com that "...
The Ministry of Works will award construction and management of Metrobus stops for $200 million.
Currently, Equipamientos Urbanos de Panamá (EUPAN) holds a contract with the Municipality of Panama City expiring in 2023.
With regards to the current contract the Minister of the Presidency, Demetrio Papadimitriu, explained that it is null and void because it was awarded by the Mayor´s office and current legislation stipulates that the power to award such contracts lies with the Ministry of Public Works (MOP ), reported Pa-digital.com.pa.
President Ricardo Martinelli commented that he could ask the population whether to open the Darién Gap.
He acknowledged, however, that now is not the best time to do it, as it would likely be rejected.
From pa-digital.com.pa: “Martinelli commented that this initiative has not been correctly explained to the population. Many myths and taboos surround it, he explained, adding that ‘we'll eventually see a complete highway link through the Americas’”.
The public bidding process for the Metro Bus transportation system has been pushed back once again.
It was originally scheduled for March 29, was later moved to April 6, and yesterday the Panamanian presidency confirmed it will be officially done on April 28.
Prensa.com reported that a large portion of the participating companies requested to postpone the date.
Companies from several countries declared their interest in developing the $270 million public transportation project.
This project will complement the Metro System, and comprises acquiring urban buses for the capital city and San Miguelito. It has attracted companies from Brazil, Colombia, Chile, United States, Germany, Mexico, Argentina, Korea, Russia, Sweden and Panama.
The first contract for "Metro Bus", a new transportation system, will be awarded on March 29th, 2010.
This project will renew the current bus fleet with air conditioned, high capacity vehicles, but will commence with existing 'Red Devil' buses ("Diablos Rojos").
Demetrio Papadimitriu, presidential minister, remarked that the system "... will feature a 'one ticket system', using rechargeable cards", reports Pa-digital.com.pa.
Public transportation will use the satellite positioning system Global Positioning System (GPS).
Jimmy Papdimitriu, minister of the Presidency, said the government will pay the $150 installation cost, but each transporter will be responsible for its maintenance.
"The objective is to keep track of speeds and routes traveled by the buses," told the minister to Prensa.com.