Pirate taxis could become legal

PANAMÁ. The infamous “Pirate Taxis” that have offered transport to western residents from Panama City could soon be declared legal if complaints continue about service offered by the Arraijan and Chorrera buses.

The National Transport Authority (ATTT) offered this warning to bus drivers on Monday because of the lack of public transport offered to west end citizens during the latter parts of the day.

Residents of Arraijan and Chorrera have instead chosen to use the pirate taxis, a service that operates some 30 vehicles and transports 2,500 people daily.

ATTT assistant director Roberto Moreno said Monday that due to shortages in bus coverage, especially during rush hours, they might be forced to offer the faux taxi service a temporary permit to operate for the next 90 days.

“As long as the taxi drivers obey the laws set forth by the Transit Authority, then it should be fine,” said Moreno in a meeting with west Panama transport services.