Panama's Red Devils

Panama's Red Devils

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Adorned with graffiti of religious icons, sports stars and celebrities, Panama City’s Diablo Rojo (Red Devil) buses cruise the streets with lights flashing and music blaring out over their sound systems.

The colourful second-hand U.S Bluebird school buses have been an integral part of the city’s public transport network for years but are becoming a rarer sight.

. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

A man walks past a graffiti portrait depicting U.S actor Sylvester Stallone on the back of a Diablo Rojo bus.

According to local media, with a new transport system being developed, the traditional Red Devils imported to Panama throughout the last 40 years are now disappearing and are only used for a few specific routes.

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Slideshow

A decorative hood ornament is seen on the bonnet of a Diablo rojo bus.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

A decorative hood ornament is seen on the bonnet of a Diablo rojo bus.

A man gestures next to a bus with the picture of Venezuelan actress and model Gaby Espino.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

A man gestures next to a bus with the picture of Venezuelan actress and model Gaby Espino.

A graffiti of Jesus Christ is seen on the back of a bus.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

A graffiti of Jesus Christ is seen on the back of a bus.

The picture of British actor Jason Statham is seen on the back of a bus.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

The picture of British actor Jason Statham is seen on the back of a bus.

A Diablo Rojo bus drives past pedestrians.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

A Diablo Rojo bus drives past pedestrians.

A decorative silver spider is seen on the front of a bus.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

A decorative silver spider is seen on the front of a bus.

Graffiti including a portrait of U.S President Barack Obama is seen on the back of a bus.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Graffiti including a portrait of U.S President Barack Obama is seen on the back of a bus.

Passengers sit in a bus depicting graffiti of a cartoon character.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Passengers sit in a bus depicting graffiti of a cartoon character.

Passengers are reflected on the decorated mirrors of a bus.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

Passengers are reflected on the decorated mirrors of a bus.

A child looks out of the window of a Diablo Rojo bus.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

A child looks out of the window of a Diablo Rojo bus.

A bus driver rests as he watches television with his colleagues inside a Diablo Rojo bus.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

A bus driver rests as he watches television with his colleagues inside a Diablo Rojo bus.

A bus driver counts money as he waits for passengers inside a bus.
. Panama City, Panama. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

A bus driver counts money as he waits for passengers inside a bus.