News

An international transportation company is taking over operation of Panama City’s often chaotic bus system.

U.S.-based First Transit will partner with the government of Panama to run the fleet of 1,200 buses and seven bus stations. Last month the government announced a plan to acquire Metrobus, which was operating the bus system.

First Transit manages transportation operations in more than 300 locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. This will be the company’s first deal in Central America.

“First Transit will bring a level of expertise that only an international transportation company can provide,” said Francisco Sierra, Minister Counselor of Panama, in a press release.

The Panama City bus system serves more than 500,000 people a day and provides key links to neighborhoods around the city.

“The citizens of Panama City and San Miguelito deserve an efficient and modern transportation system,” Alvaro Alemán, Minister of the Presidency, said in the statement. “First Transit will be integral in making that happen.”

First Transit is a subsidiary of U.K.-based FirstGroup, which is described as “the largest international surface transportation group in the world.” The company’s divisions include school bus companies, the Greyhound bus line in the U.S. and UK Rail.

“We are fully committed to managing bus transportation that will provide safe and efficient services to the passengers of Panama City and San Miguelito,” said Brad Thomas, president of First Transit, in the press release.