Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro García Padilla on Aug. 5 created a public transit authority.
Called the Integrated Transport Authority of Puerto Rico, the authority takes elements from several other Puerto Rico authorities.
The subway and commuter rail system heretofore operated by the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority is being transferred to ITA. All the assets and obligations of these systems are also transferred to the new authority.
Additionally, the Metropolitan Bus Authority, Maritime Transportation Authority of Puerto Rico and Island Municipalities, will have their assets and operations transferred to ITA.
"The creation of the Integrated Transportation Authority of Puerto Rico will reduce redundancy and complexity in decision-making processes associated with the planning, management and operation of public transport systems, through a structure that operates laterally and that integrates all modes of public transport," the new law said.
Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, has the only subway system in the Caribbean. This system, Tren Urbano, has been a money loosing operation. It will be a part of ITA.
