The National Directorate of Traffic Operations (DNOT) of the National Police announced that, starting this Thursday, April 2, lane reversal operations will be activated as part of a plan to speed up vehicular flow due to the massive displacement of citizens to the interior of the country for the Easter holiday. "Verify that the vehicle is in optimal condition, use the seatbelt and avoid using cell phones while driving," they recommended. They also urged those who consume alcoholic beverages to designate a responsible driver and pedestrians to use crosswalks and pedestrian bridges, as well as light-colored clothing if traveling in dark areas. The authorities reported that, in addition to the traffic operation, support will be provided for religious processions nationwide, to ensure safety during the activities of Holy Week. "We are monitoring if there is an increase in vehicular traffic towards the interior of the country," stated an official. Projections point to an increase in the flow of vehicles compared to last year. Last year, the traffic count was approximately 89,000 vehicles that traveled to the interior of the country during the reflection days; while for this year, the figure is expected to exceed 100,000. ATTT will carry out inspections at terminals. For its part, the ATTT will deploy its inspectors at the Albrook Transportation Terminal to carry out random and rigorous inspections, focused on the mechanical condition of public transport units, as well as the validity of documents and driver's licenses. This inspection will be extended intensively to the main terminals of the interior of the country during the Easter period. Regarding the mobility of organized groups and excursions, until March 27, 2026, the entity has granted a total of 23 permits called "Off-Route", of which 15 correspond to school transport, six to route buses, and two additional permits are in the validation process. It is projected that between Monday, March 30, and Thursday, April 2, the number of permits issued will rise to 150. The ATTT reiterated that private vehicles associated with school type certificates (8BC), bus (B) and internal route (RI) plates must carry their original permit to circulate outside their assigned area; otherwise, they will be returned to their point of origin at the controls located in Capira or La Pesa. Regarding the vehicular count and mobility, the ATTT will carry out constant monitoring starting April 2 at key points on the national road network, such as Sajalices, where the flow towards the western sector and beach areas will be supervised. Likewise, in the Santa María sector, the influx of vehicles towards the Azuero region will be followed; in Divisa, towards the provinces of Veraguas and Chiriquí; and in Las Garzas, the flow towards the eastern sector of the country will be monitored. Return from the interior to the capital. Regarding the return to the city, it is planned that on Sunday, lane reversals will be implemented from Las Uvas de San Carlos to Sajalices de Capira and from Campana to El Nazareno de La Chorrera, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, the official clarified that these measures will depend on traffic behavior, as they could be brought forward to Saturday if a significant increase in vehicles is recorded. For this operation, the National Directorate of Traffic Operations will deploy some 150 units at strategic points for traffic flow optimization, while throughout the country, there will be approximately 790 personnel for surveillance, accident response, and traffic control. Meanwhile, González called on drivers to take preventive measures.
