Panama City, Panama. President José Raúl Mulino joined cabinet members for the first passenger development tests on the Panama Metro Line 3 Tuesday. The test run covered a six-kilometer stretch between the Ciudad del Futuro and Vista Alegre stations in Arraiján. This marks a critical step toward operational validation for the massive transit project.
The train traveled through four stations during the trial. Officials confirmed the global construction progress has reached 77 percent. The elevated section of the line is now 85 percent complete. The underground portion stands at 66 percent. The tunnel boring machine, named Panama, has excavated 90 percent of its route. It sits approximately 500 meters from reaching the Albrook terminal.
President Mulino Leads First Public Trial Run
President Mulino invited media representatives to board the train at the Ciudad del Futuro station. He called out to journalists and officials with enthusiasm. “I invite everyone to take a ride on Metro Line 3. Come on!” Mulino said. [Translated from Spanish] The atmosphere was electric as the Japanese monorail technology glided along the elevated track.
The development tests run parallel to ongoing construction work. Project managers stressed that both tracks must advance together. The line will eventually stretch 24.5 kilometers with 11 stations. It connects the province of Panama West directly to the capital city.
Japanese Monorail Technology Powers the System
Each of the 26 trains will consist of six cars. They can carry approximately one thousand passengers per trip. The trains reach speeds near 80 kilometers per hour. This represents a significant upgrade for Panama transportation infrastructure in the western region.
A Korean company is developing the overall line. Japanese firms provide the monorail technology. The system will move around 30,000 passengers per hour in each direction. That capacity makes it one of the most important transit solutions for residents of Arraiján and eventually La Chorrera.
“This project will transform daily life for thousands of families in Panama West,” Mulino stated during the event. “We are building a modern connection that reduces travel time dramatically.” [Translated from Spanish]
Dynamic testing without passengers happened about two months ago. Tuesday’s event marked the first time authorities and media rode aboard the trains. The tests validate operational systems before full public service begins.
Panama West Residents Await Major Travel Time Reductions
Panama West is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Thousands of people commute daily to the capital for work and school. Current travel times often exceed two hours each way. The Metro Line 3 promises to slash that dramatically.
Officials declined to announce an official opening date Tuesday. They noted that several components still require completion. The tunnel under the Panama Canal remains a critical piece. Crews must finish that section before the system can enter full operation.
The President Mulino administration has prioritized infrastructure spending. The project aligns with broader economic development goals. It connects residential areas to employment centers efficiently.
Construction crews continue working on remaining stations and track segments. The elevated portion shows strong progress. The tunnel section requires more time due to its complexity. Engineers must navigate geological challenges beneath the canal.
Passenger testing will continue in the coming weeks. Operators will collect data on system performance. They will adjust schedules and procedures based on results. The goal remains a smooth launch for the millions who will depend on this line.