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In a collaborative initiative aimed at safeguarding the attendees of the traditional four-day San Sebastián Street Festivals, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced on Thursday strategies developed by government agencies.
“We are ready to ensure that both residents and visitors can partake in the festivities safely and in an organized manner,” the governor stated. “To achieve this, we have instituted several actions, such as the creation of a Command Center for the Family Department, situated on the Isleta de San Juan. Staff will be designated to intervene in circumstances that might endanger the safety of children, teens, and the elderly, whether they are lost or facing incidents of neglect or abuse.”
Working in conjunction with the Integrated Transportation Authority (ATI in Spanish), the Department of Transportation and Public Works will offer a complimentary fare for the Urban Train and buses throughout the festival.
The Urban Train will run on its regular timetable until 11:30 p.m. for those headed to the Sagrado Corazón station, where they can access municipal or private transport. Return services will be available from this station until the municipality requires transportation of passengers back to the island. Additionally, the following routes — T-3, E-10, E-20, and E-30 — will operate during special hours for the event:
**T-3**: From Sagrado Corazón station to Covadonga bus terminal in Old San Juan (with multiple stops along the way) 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 Campanilla terminal in Toa Baja to the Bayamón station of the Urban Train until 3 a.m. This terminal features ample free parking and security.
**E-30**: From the Caguas public bus terminal to Cupey station of the Urban Train until 3 a.m.
Metropolitan Bus Authority (AMA) buses will continue to operate at no charge on their standard 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 indicated.
The AMA routes that directly service the Covadonga terminal in Old San Juan comprise:
* 9: Cupey-San Juan
* 21: Sagrado Corazón-San Juan
* 5: Iturregui-San Juan
* 53: San Juan Airport
* 37: Bayamón-Cataño
* 4: Piñero-Cataño
Moreover, the maritime metro service (Cataño-San Juan) will function 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’s crucial to mention that round-trip tickets will be priced at $1, available exclusively at the Cataño terminal via cash purchases. Individuals are encouraged to obtain their tickets in advance on puertoricoferry.com and through the City Experiences app.
González Colón also disclosed that, as a risk reduction strategy, personnel from special opioid initiatives under the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA) will offer training and distribute intranasal naloxone (Narcan) to vendors and artisans in Old San Juan and Cataño, including staff on the Cataño ferry. This initiative, designed to prevent fatalities from opioid overdoses, began on Thursday and will continue to enhance community safety in preparation for the Sanse festival.
“All illicitly obtained substances can be laced with fentanyl, dramatically raising the risk of death,” the governor noted. “With this initiative, the ASSMCA bolsters its life-saving measures through the Naloxone Saturation Plan, in partnership with the municipality of San Juan, the municipal police, and other allies.”
González Colón highlighted that personnel from ASSMCA’s Auxiliary Administration for Prevention will persist in educating on the significance of responsible alcohol consumption for adults and will engage with business owners and employees in San Juan to inform them about laws against selling alcohol to minors under 18.
The governor stressed the importance of reflection and responsible actions.
“The San Sebastián Street Festivals convey our culture and resilience as a community,” she articulated. “Let’s not permit excess or carelessness to overshadow this occasion. Celebrate, but always with mindfulness. Think of your loved ones waiting at home. May this be a festivity filled with joy, not sorrow. Our Puerto Rico deserves the best from us.”
González Colón reminded residents about the PAS Line available for those seeking emotional support.
“If you require assistance, you can call 1-800-981-0023, 988, VRS 787-615-4112, or access the online chat at lineapas.assm,” she concluded.
