Panama Metro Stabilizes New Fare System Amidst Intermittent Issues
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Metro de Panamá is working with technology provider SONDA to stabilize its new fare collection system.
- The company reports that reported issues are intermittent and random, not a widespread failure, with all new validators operational.
- Metro de Panamá apologizes for temporary inconveniences and expects the system upgrade to improve payment options and user experience.
Metro de Panamá has reported ongoing efforts to stabilize its newly implemented technological fare collection platform. The transit authority stated that the company SONDA, responsible for the system's technology, is actively working on stabilization measures as part of a broader project to modernize access and payment across the network.
The incidents reported are intermittent and random, do not correspond to a generalized failure, and 100% of the new validators installed remain operational.
Addressing recent user concerns, Metro de Panamá clarified that reported incidents are intermittent and sporadic, not indicative of a system-wide failure. The authority emphasized that 100% of the newly installed validators for both the metro and the metrobús remain operational. To manage any potential issues, Metro de Panamá and SONDA maintain continuous monitoring, with SONDA providing 24/7 technical support and personnel stationed at various stations.
The average time to resolve each reported incident is estimated at 30 minutes or less. The metro's overall operation continues normally during this stabilization phase. Once completed, the system upgrade is expected to offer expanded payment choices and a more efficient and secure user experience for commuters.
To address any eventuality, the Metro de Panamá entities maintain permanent monitoring together with SONDA, which has a 24/7 service desk and technical personnel in stations.
In a statement, Metro de Panamá extended apologies to its users for any temporary disruptions experienced during this implementation period. The authority also expressed gratitude for the public's understanding and patience as they work towards a fully functional and improved fare collection system.
Metro de Panamá offered apologies for the temporary inconveniences and thanked users for their understanding during this implementation stage.
Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.