Panama: A colorful revamp for old US school buses

They once chugged through US suburbs full of school kids but today, these Red Devil buses are a regular sight in Panama City. With a colorful facelift, each one’s unique. The moving works of art are party buses and much, much more. Image: Matias Delacroix/AP Photo/picture alliance

The driver of a Red Devil tourist bus calls to passengers on the Amador Causeway in Panama City. The Red Devils can’t be missed in the capital city’s daily traffic chaos, transporting tourists and commuters alike. Despite their advanced years and the black clouds coming from their exhaust pipes, they offer affordable rides — and a quirky experience. Image: Matias Delacroix/AP Photo/picture alliance

Each bus, like this one seen at a Red Devil exhibition in Chilibre, is unique. Pop stars, religious symbols or superheroes adorn their metal sides. Many drivers invest thousands of dollars to rig them up with loudspeakers and lighting, turning their vehicle into a canvas, a status symbol on wheels. Image: Matias Delacroix/AP Photo/picture alliance

Some disused buses have been transformed into hip snack bars or cafes. Standard seats are replaced by tables and benches, and burgers or ceviche are served from the driver’s cabin instead of tickets. Tourists and locals enjoy the creative cuisine — loud, colorful and typically Panamanian. Image: Matias Delacroix/AP Photo/picture alliance

Apart from getting people from A to B, many Red Devil buses also serve as party buses. Young people pile on for private parties, complete with blaring music and disco lights. Image: Matias Delacroix/AP Photo/picture alliance

Once a year, the Red Devils even become racing cars. Drivers, fans and families gather in La Chorrera, west of Panama City, to watch the buses compete on an improvised race track, at high speed and with engines roaring. Image: Matias Delacroix/AP Photo/picture alliance

Although they should officially be replaced by modern metro buses, many Red Devils are still on the road. Critics say the buses are a source of environmental pollution and safety issues, but their popularity remains high. Image: Matias Delacroix/AP Photo/picture alliance

The Red Devils show how past and present coexist on Panama’s roads. They’re more than just vehicles — they’re a snapshot of a society on the move. As noisy as they are colorful, they have carved out a firm place in popular culture. Image: Matias Delacroix/AP Photo/picture alliance