Julio Gonzalez, the director of Panama Transit Authority (ATTT), recently announced that the taxis might obtain taxi meters already next year.
Presently he noticed that the Authority is considering to install taxi meters into a few taxi services. Besides that there is an intention to create a new service called “Executive Taxi” that would create a higher standard in the market.
Taxis in Panama have never been well regulated and since there are many foreigners including those who don’t speak Spanish, it is becoming a problem that drivers overcharge and rip off passengers. Besides that there is an increasing number of robberies connected to the taxis.
Before taxis will become better regulated in Panama we suggest using public transport, which is improving each year with new metro and bus systems. Plus, there are a number of Smartphone apps which allow to find reliable and safe taxi service. Among such, a world known Uber and local Tu Chofer. These applications allow to find a private car and take you wherever you need with a standardized rate and registered driver. It is a little more expensive than using a car from the street, but it is 100% safe and nicer car is guaranteed.
