Abinader replaces OPRET Director after Metro blackout controversy

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader removed Rafael Santos from his position as director of the Office for the Reorganization of Transportation (OPRET) and appointed engineer Jhael Isa Tavárez as his replacement, after days of public scrutiny over the nationwide blackout that halted operations on the Santo Domingo Metro. The suspension raised concerns because, as noted by former President Leonel Fernández, the Metro has 40 megawatts of backup generation capacity that should have ensured its continuity.

Through Decree 652-25, Abinader also ordered a broad restructuring of the Integrated Transportation System. As part of the mandate, the new management must present a unified regulatory and operational proposal within 120 days. The decision reinforces the government’s intent to strengthen oversight and improve coordination across the country’s transit infrastructure.

Jhael Isa Tavárez, who will additionally serve as honorary executive director of Fitram, is recognized for his technical leadership in major mass transit developments, including the Santiago Monorail, the Santiago Cable Car, and the Santo Domingo Cable Car lines. The change in leadership follows criticism of the delayed activation of the Metro’s emergency systems. Santos later said the power plants were undergoing “extensive maintenance,” while the opposition blamed the failure on mismanagement and insufficient maintenance.