What Happened
MiBus announced a package of operational measures after a fuel price increase in Panama that took effect on Friday, 20 March. The company said the rise represents an additional cost close to $1 million per month to its operations, and pledged not to increase public transport fares.
Carlos Sánchez Fábrega, president of the board and general manager of MiBus, told users that “the fares for the metrobús and the metro remain unchanged. We do not have at this time any adjustment for any reason.” He emphasized that public transport is a key alternative as fuel costs rise and encouraged citizens to leave private vehicles and use the metro, particularly lines 1 and 2, which do not run on diesel.
Strategies to Implement
MiBus outlined several measures intended to reduce fuel consumption and costs without significantly affecting core services. The company will cut empty runs — which currently account for about 20% of fuel consumption — and prioritize circulation of lower-consumption vehicles. Between 10% and 12% of the oldest, most fuel-inefficient buses will be withdrawn temporarily.
Routes that run in parallel to the metro will be suspended to encourage metro use, and the frequency of certain corridor services will be reduced between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., a period the company says has lower demand. MiBus estimates these measures could achieve fuel savings of up to 10% on selected units and mitigate between 60% and 65% of the economic impact from the recent price increase.
Impact and Duration
MiBus said the system moves about 450,000 people daily and that the measures are designed to protect mobility in the city. The company warned that approximately 20,000 people per day could be affected by changes in routes or availability during the adjustment period, but asked for users’ understanding, saying the actions are being taken “like a surgical operation to affect as few people as possible.”
The measures will be implemented progressively starting next week and will remain in place while fuel price volatility persists, a period MiBus estimates could last between one and two months. The company also said sensitive areas such as maintenance and payroll will not be compromised by the savings plan.
Background
The recent fuel price hikes in Panama come amid global tensions tied to the conflict in Iran, which have pushed up oil costs. The National Energy Secretariat reported that, from 20 March, 95-octane gasoline is priced at $1.14 per liter (around $0.20 higher) and 91-octane gasoline at $1.07 per liter (an increase of about $0.18).