Panama Metro Adjusts Escalator Use to Manage Peak Hour Crowds

The Panama Metro is introducing a new strategy to tackle passenger congestion during peak hours, aiming to improve safety and order on platforms. The system, which handles over 395,000 passengers daily, will modify how escalators function in high-demand stations.

“

the main change consists of modifying the operation of the escalators in the stations with the highest concentration of users.

Previously, both escalators might have been stopped to control platform access. Now, one escalator will be designated for ascending to the platform, and another for descending. This change allows for a more organized passenger entry. Access will be regulated when platforms reach capacity, with entry resuming once trains have cleared some passengers.

“

With this system, the flow of people will be regulated when the platforms reach their capacity.

The primary goal is to prevent excessive crowding on platforms, which poses a safety risk. While the San Miguelito station on Line 1 is a key focus due to its high traffic, similar measures can be applied to other stations on Lines 1 and 2 as needed. The regulation will be most active during morning (6-8 a.m.) and evening rush hours, with permanent application dependent on passenger flow and platform occupancy.

“

these actions seek to avoid the excessive accumulation of people on the platforms, a situation that represents a risk to the safety of users.

Authorities emphasize that these adjustments are designed to ensure a safer and more orderly commute for the thousands of daily users of the mass transit system. The Metro stated that these actions are crucial for avoiding excessive accumulation of people on platforms, a situation that presents a risk to user safety.

“

the objective is to guarantee a safer and more orderly movement for the thousands of users who use the mass transit system daily.