Thousands of passengers continue challenging fundamental social norms within the Panama Metro system a decade after its inauguration. Operational staff report persistent behavioral issues that disrupt daily service, particularly during peak hours, despite ongoing educational efforts. These problems include entering trains before letting passengers exit, walking against designated traffic flows, and ignoring critical safety instructions throughout the network.
Julio Moreno, Line 1 Manager for the Panama Metro, explained that several basic usage rules still see daily violations from thousands of riders. This directly impacts station mobility and the regular functioning of a system currently transporting approximately 365,000 daily users across Lines 1 and 2. The most frequent infractions involve passengers ducking under turnstiles and the problematic habit of boarding trains before allowing others to disembark. These actions create congestion and significantly slow passenger flow during critical transfer periods.
“Several basic usage rules continue being violated by thousands of passengers daily, affecting mobility within stations and the system’s regular operation,” said Julio Moreno, Line 1 Manager for the Panama Metro. [Translated from Spanish]
Metro authorities maintain clear right-side circulation markings on both staircases and corridors to streamline movement. This established practice contributes directly to system order while preventing conflicts between users. Specific floor signage exists in the connection area between both metro lines to organize pedestrian traffic, though some passengers consistently disregard these visual guides.
Metroculture Program Shows Impact Despite Challenges
The system’s “metroculture” initiative, implemented even before the metro’s inauguration to prepare citizens for expected behavior, has demonstrated measurable impact according to officials. Moreno described this process as a constant effort from the operational team, reinforced with messages across trains and stations plus guidance from onsite personnel. One frequently heard station announcement reminds riders to “stand on the right on escalators to permit passage for travelers in more hurry.” Many users nevertheless ignore this instruction with every train arrival, sometimes expressing annoyance when hurried passengers request faster passage.
“The metroculture has helped greatly with people’s behavior,” Moreno stated, emphasizing that reinforcing these norms remains permanent work for the organization. [Translated from Spanish]
Current system metrics show nearly 365,000 daily users, but December typically brings the highest demand. Officials anticipate moving between 395,000 and 396,000 passengers daily during that month. When asked about further improvements, Moreno suggested that many instructions applied within the Panama Metro could extend to other public spaces to strengthen civic coexistence.
Ongoing Etiquette Campaigns Target Common Issues
The most persistent recommendations from metro staff include maintaining moderate volumes when listening to music or videos, recharging transit cards beforehand to avoid lines, and always positioning oneself behind the yellow safety line on platforms. Regarding these points, Moreno simply requested “common respect for others” from all system users. These elements form part of broader public transportation etiquette that authorities continue promoting.
Concerning a potential operating hour extension during December, the Line 1 manager indicated no current plans exist. Regular operating hours have sufficiently met demand during previous holiday seasons. Administration would evaluate any special measures only if specific situations required intervention, according to official statements. The metroculture program remains one of the system’s fundamental pillars and, in authority assessments, reflects citizen advancement regarding basic social coexistence norms.