71% Onboard: Belize’s National Bus Company Picks Up Speed

Belize’s ambitious plan to overhaul its public transportation system is gaining traction, with the Ministry of Transportation announcing that 71 percent of the country’s bus market is now committed to the creation of the Consolidated National Bus Company.

The update came during a meeting of the National Bus Consolidation Pro Tempore Advisory Committee last week. Officials say this marks a significant milestone in one of the largest public-private partnerships the sector has ever seen.

The new company, set to launch on January 1, 2026, promises safer buses, improved commuter standards, and upgraded terminals. Over the next two to three years, commuters can also expect to see modern buses rolled out across the country.

Audits of participating operators are already in motion, with a financial roadmap expected by mid-November. At the same time, consultations with bus owners, financial institutions, and international partners continue to shape the transition.

The Committee said that the project is not a government takeover, but a joint effort to modernise transportation, boost safety, and align Belize with international sustainable development goals.

The Advisory Committee is made up of representatives from government ministries, the Statistical Institute of Belize, the University of Belize, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, the Attorney General’s Ministry, the business community, a commuter representative, a bus operator, media, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The group will reconvene in November to review audit results and finalize steps before the plan is presented to Cabinet.