GOB: No Bus Fare Increase

Independent bus operators across Belize will have to hold on a little longer before getting any relief from rising fuel costs. Cabinet has told the Belize Bus Association (BBA) it is not ready to act on the association’s requests just yet, but has left the door open if prices do not come down.

The BBA wrote to the Ministry of Transport at the end of last month outlining the pressure that climbing diesel prices are putting on bus companies. In its letter, the association asked the government for three things: an exemption from general sales tax on fuel, tyres, and parts; government subsidies similar to those provided during the COVID-19 pandemic; and permission to raise bus fares.

Cabinet’s response was a firm no on the fare increase, citing the added burden it would place on the riding public. On the other two requests, the government is asking the association to be patient.

Minister of Transport Dr Louis Zabaneh explained that the Cabinet is keeping a close eye on global fuel price trends before making any decisions.

“We are hoping it will stabilise and prices will return to some lower levels as they were a few months ago,” Zabaneh said. “In the event we don’t have that kind of downward trend, then Cabinet is prepared to reconsider the request.”

He asked the BBA to allow a few more weeks for the trend to become clearer.

For bus operators already feeling the squeeze, the wait did not sit well. The BBA says it will hold an emergency meeting with its members to decide how to move forward.