Bus Strike Averted?

Monday’s threatened shutdown of bus services has been put on “hold” after this morning’s meeting between the Belize Bus Association (BBA) and the Ministry of Transport.

BBA President Phillip Jones told News 5 moments ago that the meeting was a long discussion but that the core tension still remains until Transport Minister Dr Luis Zabaneh has returned with a verdict on what the operators are requesting.

Bus operators are asking for a price adjustment to match the National Bus Company’s rates, which is a five-cent-per-mile gap that private operators say is squeezing their survival.

Government has previously indicated the demand is “off the table.”

Jones confirmed that, “In good faith”, buses will continue operating Monday and Tuesday while the Cabinet considers the matter.

He added that operators expect feedback after Cabinet meets.