Bus Association Slams National Bus Company Plan

The Belize Bus Owners Association (BBA) is calling on the Ministry of Transport to halt its promotional campaign for a proposed National Bus Company. BBA warned that the plan lacks essential data and financial backing and criticised the government for “guesswork” and misleading the public with uncosted promises of modern coach buses, digital ticketing, and terminal upgrades.

The association, which represents 31 licensed private operators, said in a statement, “The concept is being promoted first and studied after. That is not planning. That is guesswork.”

BBA added, “The Minister claims that 16 of the 31 licensed bus operators have agreed to participate in the NBC. However, none of these operators have made public statements or been presented with the kind of details necessary to make an informed business decision.”

The BBA said that no feasibility studies, financial models, or fare projections have been released. “Commuters… are now being promised a first-class, digital, modern transport experience. It sounds wonderful. But where is the math?”

The association also dismissed comparisons to Mexico’s ADO, and warned that Belize’s smaller fleet cannot achieve similar efficiencies. “To deliver the kind of nationwide transformation the minister is promising – brand-new buses, upgraded terminals, digital ticketing systems, fares in Belize would likely need to at least double to cover its cost.”