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What's New with Metro and MiBus Payments in 2026

Many expats arrive in Panama City planning to buy a car, and then find out they don't really need one. The Metro and MiBus move more than 250 million passengers a year combined, and 2026 brought changes that make them easier to use, especially for newcomers. Here's what changed and how to get around like a local.

A new payment system is now live

In September 2026, SONDA, the company that has run the transit payment system for more than 14 years, finished moving riders to a new cloud-based platform for the Metro and MiBus. According to Crítica, more than 4 million cards and their balances were migrated and 3,500 validators were replaced.

What this means for you day to day:

  • No more activating your top-up at a machine. You recharge and board directly.
  • Your balance updates at the end of the trip, which is why some riders thought they were being charged twice. They weren't.
  • Walk through when the screen turns green. Don't wait for a beep.
  • Register your card online. If you lose it, you keep your balance.
  • Fares did not change. MiBus trunk and internal routes cost $0.25 and corridor routes cost $0.75.

You can check your balance, recharge with Yappy and find recharge points in the A2-20 app, or at tarjetametrobus.com.

Coming soon: pay with your bank card

In April 2026, authorities announced that riders will be able to pay with debit or credit cards and QR codes, without a transit card. Installation of the new validators started on June 23, 2026 at the MiBus Villa Zaita station, and the plan is to extend them to the 65 Metro stations on Lines 1 and 2 and the 18 MiBus paid zones.

The rollout is progressive, so check whether your station already accepts bank cards before you rely on it. For visitors and new residents, this will be a big help: you'll be able to ride from your first day without buying a card.

More riders, more routes

Demand keeps growing. MiBus carried 139.8 million passengers in 2025, 10% more than in 2024, and the Metro carried 114.9 million. MiBus has also added new routes in recent months, including the S442 route (Metro Nuevo Tocumen – Corredor Sur – Vía Israel 5 de Mayo), which passes by Paitilla and Avenida Balboa, areas where many expats live.

What this means if you're...

...new to Panama City: Get a transit card right away, register it online and download the A2-20 app. It's the cheapest way to move around the city.

...deciding where to live: Living near a Metro station can save you a lot of time and money. Areas along Line 1 and Line 2 and the main corridors are worth considering when you search for an apartment.

...thinking about not buying a car: Between the Metro, MiBus and ride-hailing apps, many expats in the city live comfortably without a car.

This guide is based on public reports and our community's experience. Routes, fares and payment options can change, so check the official Metro de Panamá and MiBus channels before you travel.

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At Reside Panama, our community shares practical tips for everyday life in Panama. Explore our blog for more guides, and write to us if you have questions about getting settled.