Panama City Moves to Make Casco Antiguo Streets Pedestrian‑First

Panama’s historic Casco Antiguo district is slated for a gradual shift from vehicle‑dominated streets to pedestrian‑friendly spaces. Municipal studies dating back to 2017 have recommended prioritising walkers and cyclists, introducing electric transport, regulating parking and linking nearby neighborhoods. Mayor Mayer Mizrachi’s “Casco Peatonal” initiative, which closes parts of the area to traffic on the last Sunday of each month, has drawn strong public attendance, signalling demand for more foot‑only zones. The next phase proposes removing as many official vehicles as possible, limiting access to residents, emergency services and deliveries during set hours, and designating additional streets for predominant pedestrian use. The plan calls for a coordinated strategy that updates earlier technical proposals and begins implementation, aiming to restore the district’s historic walkability while accommodating necessary services.