(Panama Gringo)The first section of Panama’s subway line opened just 2 weeks ago, but plans are already well underway for a second line. The initial project, which cost about $2 billion, is a 13.7 kilometer line, the first of its kind in Central America.
The proposed second metro line would run 23 kilometers and have 17 stations, according to Roberto Roy, the executive secretary of the subway. While Line 1 covers the massive population of San Miguelito, the following addition will extend service to Panama’s most populated residential districts. The next section will encompass Tocumen, while future proposals may encompass Arraijan and La Chorrera.
While there is no set date to present the project to bidders, it is hoped that the final outline of the project will be ready to bid by the end of April. From there, companies will be given 3 months to present their bids. Subway officials will then have 6 weeks to decide which company they will use to complete the project.
Funds are expected to come from the tender earned by the current subway line. This project marks the current economic growth in Panama, which has the tastes growing economy in the Americas.