Santo Domingo has initiated an innovative nighttime public transportation pilot program in response to the growing need for safe transit options for overnight workers. The National Central of Unified Transporters (CNTU) unveiled plans for a new route operating from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. along the Duarte Highway–John F. Kennedy corridor.
CNTU President William Pérez Figuereo emphasized the program’s primary objective: providing secure and dignified transportation for hundreds of night-shift employees who previously struggled with limited mobility options. The initiative specifically targets security personnel, restaurant staff, retail employees, street vendors, and day laborers who cannot access conventional taxi services due to financial constraints.
The transportation union projects that approximately 500 businesses along the designated corridor could experience operational benefits from the extended service hours. Pérez Figuereo additionally highlighted potential secondary advantages, including reduced daytime traffic congestion as some commercial activities might shift to nighttime operations.
Addressing security concerns inherent to nighttime operations, the CNTU leadership has formally requested protection support from the National Police and Ministry of Defense for participating drivers. Despite acknowledging the initiative’s potential initial lack of profitability, Pérez Figuereo strongly encouraged other transportation organizations to implement similar programs, framing the service as essential social infrastructure rather than purely commercial enterprise.