# Panama public transport payment system migration

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/panama-public-transport-payment-system-migration
> Updated: 2026-08-31T21:20:51.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Panama City’s public transport authorities, including Metro de Panamá and MiBus, initiated a technological migration to a cloud-based payment platform known as ABT. The transition, managed by contractor SONDA, required a temporary suspension of card recharge services over the weekend of August 29–30, 2026.

Following the launch on August 31, the new system encountered immediate technical difficulties. Passengers reported that validators failed to recognize cards, balances were inconsistent, and recharge updates were delayed. In response, SONDA stated the system was in a phase of “progressive adjustment and stabilization,” while Metro de Panamá deployed station staff to manage manual cases and mitigate wait times.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Panama Metro and MiBus launch new payment system amid technical issues

Panama’s Metro and MiBus launched a new payment system on August 31, facing initial validator failures and balance inconsistencies. Officials expect stabilization within hours.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-metro-and-mibus-launch-new-payment-system-amid-technical-issues

### 2026-08-27: Panama public transport to migrate to new cloud-based payment system

Panama City's Metro and MiBus will suspend card recharges from Saturday night, August 29, to Sunday morning, August 30, to migrate to a new cloud-based ABT payment system.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-public-transport-to-migrate-to-new-cloud-based-payment-system

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Cite as: Panama public transport payment system migration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/panama-public-transport-payment-system-migration