---
title: "Digital Ride-Share Drivers Seek ATTT Subsidy and Greater Security in Panama"
date: 2026-04-13
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/panama-ride-share-drivers-attt-subsidy-security/
categories:
  - "Economy"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "ATTT"
  - "digital transport platforms"
  - "driver security"
  - "Panama transport"
  - "ride-share drivers"
---

# Digital Ride-Share Drivers Seek ATTT Subsidy and Greater Security in Panama

## What Happened

Drivers working through digital transport platforms in Panama are asking the Autoridad de Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT) for a subsidy and stronger measures to address insecurity on the job. A spokesperson for the drivers said the goal is for the ATTT to maintain a complete registry of everyone working under these digital platforms.

Nationwide, around 20,000 drivers are believed to be operating through these services. The request places attention on both the economic pressure facing app-based transport workers and the need for clearer oversight of the sector.

## Why Drivers Are Pushing for Recognition

The call for a subsidy reflects broader concerns among platform drivers about the costs of working in a system where earnings can fluctuate and expenses often fall on the worker. By seeking a formal registry, drivers are also asking for a more defined relationship with transport authorities, which could open the door to future regulation or support measures.

In Panama, digital transport platforms have become an important part of daily mobility, especially in urban areas where demand for flexible ride services continues to grow. As the sector expands, drivers are pressing for rules that better reflect the realities of their work.

## Security Concerns in the Sector

Insecurity has become another major issue for drivers who spend long hours on the road and often work with strangers in unfamiliar parts of the country. The appeal for stronger protection highlights the risks that can come with the job and the pressure on authorities to respond to a fast-changing transport market.

For passengers, digital platforms offer convenience and quick access to rides. For drivers, however, the business can involve long shifts, variable income, and exposure to safety concerns that are increasingly part of the public debate.

## What This Means for Panama

The drivers’ request comes at a time when Panama continues to face questions about how digital transport services should be recognized and regulated. A complete registry at the ATTT would mark an important step toward identifying the size of the workforce operating in this segment.

With an estimated 20,000 drivers involved nationwide, the issue carries weight for the broader transport system, urban mobility, and the future of labor conditions in app-based work. The discussion now centers on how the government balances innovation, safety, and support for workers in a growing digital economy.