
By The Star Staff
In a joint effort to ensure the safety and well-being of participants at the traditional four-day San Sebastián Street Festivities, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Thursday announced strategies devised by government agencies.
“We are prepared to guarantee that citizens and tourists can enjoy the festivities in a safe and orderly manner,” the governor said. “To this end, we have implemented several measures, including the establishment of a Command Center for the Family Department, which will be located on the Isleta de San Juan. Personnel will be assigned to intervene in situations that may threaten the safety of children, adolescents, and the elderly, whether they are lost or experiencing incidents of abuse or neglect.”
In collaboration with the Integrated Transportation Authority (ATI by its initials in Spanish), the Department of Transportation and Public Works will provide a special free fare for the Urban Train and buses during the festival.
The Urban Train will operate on a regular schedule until 11:30 p.m. for those traveling to the Sagrado Corazón station, from where they can take municipal or private transportation. Return services will be offered from this station until the municipality requires the transportation of passengers off the island. Additionally, the following routes -- T-3, E-10, E-20, and E-30 -- will also operate during special hours for the event:
**T-3**: From Sagrado Corazón station to Covadonga bus terminal in Old San Juan (with several stops in between) until 3 a.m.
**E-10**: From Sagrado Corazón station to Covadonga bus terminal in Old San Juan until 3 a.m.
**E-20 (Metro Urbano)**: From the Campanilla terminal in Toa Baja to the Bayamón station of the Urban Train until 3 a.m. This terminal provides ample free parking and security.
**E-30**: From the Caguas public bus terminal to the Cupey station of the Urban Train until 3 a.m.
Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) buses will continue to operate free of charge on their regular schedule from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday,” the governor said.
The AMA routes that directly service the Covadonga terminal in Old San Juan include:
* 9: Cupey-San Juan
* 21: Sagrado Corazón-San Juan
* 5: Iturregui-San Juan
* 53: San Juan Airport
* 37: Bayamón-Cataño
* 4: Piñero-Cataño
Additionally, the maritime metro service (Cataño-San Juan) will operate during special hours:
**Thursday, Jan. 16**: 5:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.
**Friday, Jan. 17**: 5:30 a.m. – 3 a.m.
**Saturday, Jan. 18**: 7:30 a.m. – 3 a.m.
**Sunday, Jan. 19**: 7:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.
It is important to note that round-trip tickets will cost $1, available only at the Cataño terminal via cash transactions. People are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance on puertoricoferry.com and through the City Experiences app.
González Colón announced further that, as a risk mitigation measure, personnel from special opioid projects under the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA) will provide training and distribute intranasal naloxone (Narcan) to merchants and artisans in Old San Juan and Cataño, including personnel on the Cataño ferry. The initiative, which aims to prevent deaths from opioid overdoses, began Thursday and will continue in order to enhance community safety in anticipation of the Sanse festival.
“All illicitly acquired substances can be contaminated with fentanyl, significantly increasing the risk of mortality,” the governor said. “Through this initiative, the ASSMCA reinforces its life-saving measures through the Naloxone Saturation Plan, in collaboration with the municipality of San Juan, the municipal police, and other partners.”
González Colón added that personnel from ASSMCA’s Auxiliary Administration for Prevention will continue to provide guidance on the importance of moderate alcohol consumption for adults and will visit commercial establishments in San Juan to educate owners and employees on laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors under 18.
The governor emphasized the need for reflection and responsible behavior.
“The San Sebastián Street Festivities symbolize our culture and strength as a people,” she said. “Let’s not allow excess or recklessness to tarnish this celebration. Enjoy, but always with awareness. Consider your loved ones waiting for you at home. May this be a feast of joy, not pain. Our Puerto Rico deserves the best from us.”
González Colón reminded citizens about the availability of the PAS Line for those in need of emotional support.
“If you need help, you can call 1-800-981-0023, 988, VRS 787-615-4112, or access the online chat at lineapas.assm,” she said.
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