The wheels are turning on a bold new vision for Belize’s public transportation system, but not everyone’s on board. The Ministry of Transport is pushing ahead with plans to create a single national bus company, a move that Minister Louis Zabaneh says would streamline services much like utility companies do. But while the government sees efficiency, bus operators are seeing red flags. Since the idea was first floated in May, concerns have been mounting. Now, the Belize Bus Owners Association is demanding transparency, specifically, they want to see the financial blueprint behind this proposed monopoly. And with growing unrest among trade unions, skepticism is only gaining speed. Tonight, we hear from Association President Thomas Shaw, who’s calling for answers.
Thomas Shaw, President, BBOA
“When Rodwell left he was talking about a tier system. He had promised operators a five to ten year permit. What operators are looking at is that they went through this process just to find out now that you want to form a national company of which operators in our meeting, they are saying you are looking at a brand, their livelihood, what they fought for all their lives. It is the only business or industry left that is owned and operated by Belizeans. We look at the sugar industry, we look at the citrus, everything is failing right now, and the crisis with teachers, KHMH, stevedores and it goes on and on. Operators are a bit hesitant with taking heed to this concept. Whenever we are taking about a concept operators want to see something tangible where it is going to benefit commuters, country, themselves and the government on a whole.”
