Belize Bus Association Threatens Shutdown

Belize’s public transport sector is heading for a potential shutdown. In its latest statement, the Belize Bus Association (BBA) warned that rising fuel costs have made operations “no longer financially possible” without urgent government relief.

The association referred to a letter addressed to the Minister of Transport, Dr. Louis Zabaneh, on March 30 outlining three options, including GST exemptions on fuel and parts, targeted subsidies, or fare adjustments.

However, in Tuesday’s interview with Minister Dr. Zabaneh, he doubled down on the Briceño administration’s position to not implement any of the measures at this time. He said the issue sits outside his ministry’s authority.

“It is not within the Ministry of Transport to determine if we can give out exemptions on GST or give subsidies. They decided to remain independent,” Zabaneth stated. He added that the operators were offered a free audit under the National Bus Company initiative, but decided to opt out.

“This is not a forced nationalization, and if you say you can stand on your own, then we respect that very position that they said they will be standing on their own,” Zabaneh stated on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the BBA said that “the situation has reached a breaking point,” adding that unless urgent action is taken, members “will have no choice but to discontinue bus services starting Monday, April 20th, 2026,” and are now pushing for direct talks with Prime Minister John Briceño.