标签： Dominican Republic

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.

Santo Domingo’s municipal government is set to host the sixth iteration of its innovative environmental program, ‘Plastics for Toys,’ on Sunday, January 11. Spearheaded by National District Mayor Carolina Mejía, the event will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at City Hall, exclusively catering to residents of the National District.

This community-driven initiative establishes a direct exchange mechanism where participants can trade cleaned and crushed plastic bottles, complete with their caps, for new toys. The program features a tiered exchange system: 500 bottles qualify for a bicycle, while 300 bottles can be redeemed for other assorted toys. To ensure equitable distribution, a limit of two toys per person will be enforced, requiring presentation of valid identification.

Beyond the environmental exchange, Mayor Mejía has announced accompanying festivities including live children’s entertainment, musical performances, and refreshments. The municipal government emphasized the program’s dual significance, highlighting both its waste reduction achievements and its role in public education. Official data reveals that the ‘Plastics for Toys’ program, along with its sister initiative ‘Plastics for School Supplies,’ has successfully diverted over 33 million plastic bottles from streets and landfills. These efforts collectively represent one of the nation’s most substantial ongoing campaigns for environmental awareness and sustainable practice adoption.

SANTO DOMINGO – In preparation for the Three Kings Day holiday celebrations, the General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transportation (DIGESETT) has announced a comprehensive simultaneous traffic control initiative scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026. The operation will commence at 2:00 PM across the Dominican Republic’s primary transportation corridors as a preventive measure against holiday-related accidents.

The strategic enforcement campaign will focus on regulating vehicular flow, implementing speed restrictions, and enhancing roadway safety during peak travel periods. Key infrastructure segments targeted include the 6 de Noviembre Highway, both sections of the Duarte Highway, the Eastern Corridor, Punta Cana Tourist Boulevard, and adjacent connecting routes where holiday traffic congestion typically peaks.

DIGESETT authorities have issued urgent advisories to motorists emphasizing compliance with traffic directives, responsible driving practices, strict adherence to sobriety guidelines, mandatory seatbelt usage, and observance of posted speed limitations. The agency confirmed coordinated deployment with complementary road safety organizations to establish multilayered protection protocols aimed at safeguarding travelers and ensuring secure passage during this traditionally high-mobility period.

Santo Domingo’s firefighting authority has officially announced the return of its cherished Three Kings Day procession, maintaining a cultural tradition that dates back to 1948. The National District Fire Department, in coordination with the Mayor’s Office, will host the annual parade commencing at 6:00 p.m. on January 5 from their Mella Avenue headquarters.

The elaborate celebration will feature the three biblical magi—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—mounted on horseback as they traverse the historic Colonial City district and surrounding neighborhoods. The procession will be accompanied by the Fire Department’s musical band providing festive melodies, alongside dance performances and candy distribution for children. The evening will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display and refreshments served at the central fire station.

Fire Chief General José Luis Frómeta Herasme extended a formal invitation to capital residents, emphasizing the event’s significance in preserving cultural heritage and fostering intergenerational connections. This longstanding tradition represents one of the Dominican Republic’s most enduring public celebrations, specifically designed to maintain family-friendly festivities that have united communities across generations for over seven decades.