ATTT to Conduct National School Bus Inspection for Safety

In parallel, the institution will carry out a national inspection of school buses, as part of preventive actions for the start of the 2026 school year, with the aim of ensuring safe school transportation for students. This verification seeks to ensure that the units dedicated to transporting students comply with the technical, legal, and safety conditions established in the Traffic Regulations. Topics to be evaluated in the vehicle inspection: third-party liability insurance, seat insurance, internal and external bodywork in good condition, yellow paint and upholstery in optimal conditions, front, rear, internal, brake, reverse, or directional lights (with the correct colors), front height without modifications. During the inspection, tires and rims in good condition with their factory measurements, bumpers, mirrors (internal and external), windshield in perfect condition, safety tools (fire extinguisher, jack, spare tire, reflective tape without modifications, safety triangle, emergency brake) will also be evaluated. Additionally, the institution will maintain a flexible criterion allowing tinted film up to Grade 1, ensuring that children travel in a pleasant and fresh environment. Number of seats according to the bus configuration (without additional seats). The regulatory dimensions are as follows: License plate number: 4 inches, "SCHOOL" sign (Buses up to 15 passengers): 6 inches, "SCHOOL" sign (Buses over 15 passengers / Coaster): 9 inches, copy of the unique vehicle registration, copy of civil liability and seat insurance, reviewed and certified operation certificate. The process includes vehicle inspection actions, document review, and preventive training, aimed at drivers. The Transit and Land Transport Authority (ATTT) announced that it will train school bus drivers through road safety talks, to raise their awareness about the importance of safety in school transportation. The labeling must be legible and done with paint, the use of stickers or printed materials is prohibited. The inspection schedule will take place in Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, and West Panama from February 2 to 6; in Los Santos, Herrera, Veraguas, and Coclé from February 4 to 6; in North Panama, San Miguelito, Central Panama, and Colón from February 9 to 13; and in Darién on February 23 and 24. The use of the "SCHOOL" sign in Arial font on the side, front, and rear of the unit is mandatory. Furthermore, ATTT recommends drivers to install solar nanoceramic film, ideal for protecting students from the sun while maintaining 100% visibility.