The Belize Bus Owners Association is raising a red flag over the government’s push for a new National Bus Company. They say the idea sounds great—modern buses, digital tickets, upgraded terminals, but there’s one big problem: there’s no plan to back it up. In a bold statement, the BBA, which represents thirty-one licensed bus operators, accused the Ministry of Transport of selling a dream without showing the math. No feasibility study. No financial model. No clear idea of how much it will cost, or who will pay for it. The Ministry claims that sixteen operators are already on board. But the BBA says none of them have seen the details, like what kind of buses will be used, how fares will be set, or what kind of return investors can expect. And here’s where it gets even more interesting: the government says the plan will work thanks to “economies of scale.” But the BBA points out that Belize has fewer than three hundred buses, compared to over eight thousand in Mexico’s ADO system, which still charges higher fares. Bus operators say they’re not against improving public transport. But they say it must be done right—with real data, real planning, and real transparency. So, here’s the question: Is the government rushing to sell a vision before doing the homework? And if so, who ends up paying the price—commuters, investors, or both?
On Monday’s Open Your Eyes morning show, Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh sat down to discuss the government’s big plans to overhaul public transportation. But the conversation quickly turned to a key question: Was anyone actually consulted before rolling out this bold new vision? Dr. Zabaneh didn’t just say yes, he went a step further, naming several bus operators he claims are already backing the idea of a National Bus Company.
The road to reform in public transportation just hit a speed bump. The Belizean Bus Association is pushing back hard against a bold new plan from Transport Minister Dr. Louis Zabaneh, who’s proposing a single, unified National Bus Company. But not everyone’s ready to hop on board. Bus operators say the idea sounds more like a fantasy than a feasible fix, and BBA President Thomas Shaw made that crystal clear in his comments earlier today. Here’s what he had to say.
Thomas Shaw, President, Belizean Bus Association
“First of all, they are saying no, due to the fact that it’s a concept and there is no final preparation. There is no legislation. Whatever he’s saying, what he wants the operators [to do] needs to be done. What needs to be done by the operators, but in reality if you’re serious about change, what the operators are looking at is that they have been in this industry for many, many years. Some have been in operation for over fifteen, twenty years and you didn’t ask the operators if they want to exit the business. You didn’t ask them if they want to sell their franchise. You’re telling them now that you’re going to open this company, we’re going to value your assets and if you want to join the company, you can put that back into shares. What the operators are looking at right now is that some operators only have one run, now if you buy into shares, you know, that goes by dividends. One of the big question is, “How will the dividends be shared? Will it be monthly, will it be annually, will it be quarterly? And these are some of the concerns with the operators. These are some of the concerns because one operator said, “You know, Minister, I had a dream and my dream was to pass on my legacy to my kids. Now, if this thing takes place, your dreams are shattered.”
There’s a bit of a shake-up happening in Belize’s public transportation sector. Today, Doctor Louis Zabaneh took to the podium at the Biltmore, hoping to clear the air, and maybe calm a few engines, over his ministry’s bold plan to launch a national bus company. While the Belize Bus Owners Association is pumping the brakes, raising concerns and resistance, Minister Zabaneh says not so fast, claiming many operators, especially in the south and west, are already on board. With a January 2026 launch date in sight, the ministry is already crunching numbers and valuing assets, but there’s one big piece of the puzzle still missing: the money. Financial talks are set for later this week, and in the meantime, bus owners want to see the receipts, specifically, a breakdown of what’s in it for them. So, we asked the Minister: will they share those details?
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“Well absolutely and then again this is what, when I spoke to Mr. Shaw I said we discussed these two or three times already, we cannot give them that information until we do the evaluation. We need the data, the information, otherwise it would be guestimates. When it is off they will see , oh you see you are giving us wrong information and trick us. We have to do this thing the right way. Give us the time that is necessary for the auditors to do their work and then present us with the data and we can take that data and provide proper information. We have information on the cost structure, on how a small operator compares to a large operator and what would likely be the cost structure for the consolidated company. When you have that you can give them a comparison. You can say this is what you are doing right now. This is what the national company is doing and based on your shares see what your income will look like and you can give them that info. But, it needs a few more months of information coming in that you can rely on.”
While bus operators are calling for a breakdown of profits and dividends tied to the proposed national bus company, everyday commuters are calling for something much simpler, better service. From overcrowded buses to reckless driving, passengers say the current system is long overdue for a tune-up. One of the biggest complaints? Buses racing each other on the highway. Well, today we got the chance to ask a bus operator directly: why does this keep happening? Joel Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Bus Line, had just wrapped up a meeting with Minister Zabaneh when he stuck around to answer our questions. Here’s what he had to say.
Joel Armstrong
Joel Armstrong, Bus Operator
“One of the biggest problem we encounter is too much permits. I have a four thirty run in the morning, just before the election. They gave a run, four thirty in the morning from Orange Walk, then they give a man front of me, four twenty and I am suppose to move four thirty. So the man drive out of terminal and wait and so when I come out four thirty he go in front of me. So what am I suppose to do, wait for him or pass him? So the problem is scheduling. Just like when you go out there even the village bus the race. I don’t know why they are racing, but they are racing. My road service says I am suppose to leave Pallotti at five twenty. When I reach about fifteen pass, the next bus is suppose to leave when I reach, but because he has two three bus he stay right there and wait. And he would say, my bus can run faster than your one. So the small man will never try to race, because if you race you run the risk of breaking a machine and not everybody like speed. Then there is that part from the commuters, bueno, bonito and rapidity. It means, cheap, fast and quick. We have all sort of commuters they watch your bus and say that is turtle on the road. They are not looking for safety.”
The debate over Belize’s proposed national bus company is picking up steam, and this time, it’s all about the bottom line. The Belize Bus Owners Association is sounding the alarm, claiming that without a fare hike, the new company won’t turn a profit. But Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh isn’t buying it. He says the goal isn’t just profit, it’s better service at a better price. And according to him, the real reason some operators aren’t seeing the returns they expect? Well, that’s a whole other story.
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“From our perspective, what the national company will be able to do, because it will have a wider spread between revenue and cost and when I say revenue go up I don’t mean price go up. What I mean is that the money that should be for the company is coming into the company bank account. What is happening right now is that a lot of people, especially conductors and drivers, are stealing the money. Let us be plain. That means your revenue could have been up here. So now you will get more of your money. It does not mean prices will go up. It just means what is due to the owners of these buses is coming to them. But,. Because your cost go down and you have a bigger margin there is less pressure to increase prices. If you are doing this for public purpose then what do you want, give them the best service for a lower cost. So, this is the only way we can ensure in the longer run that we don’t have pressures to increase prices, which I think the press release, we have discussed this two or three times, ignored from the discussions we have had before.”
As the conversation around Belize’s proposed national bus company rolls on, we caught up with someone who’s been in the driver’s seat of the industry for years, Joel Armstrong of Armstrong Bus Line. He’s a veteran member of the Belize Bus Owners Association, and while the group has been vocal in its opposition, Armstrong’s take was a bit more measured. He told us he’s still listening and learning, but if the playing field is fair for everyone, he thinks the plan could actually work.
Joel Armstrong, Bus Operator
“Buying into the plan, I always believe in listening so that I can learn. I have had one on ones with the minister and in public. It is a good plan while it is applied in the right way and you have responsible people. We tend to think one sided. That is to say Vaughn is my friend so I will give you better opportunity and we nuh wah worry about him, he is small time. We need to be on a level playing field and make everybody get equal. You wont say like how this man could get five bus we will just squeeze Mr. Armstrong out and make him a janitor. We need to give everybody, everybody is valuable. That is the way I believe as a human. We all work together. We are all one chain and once one pop everything shattered.”
And we’re back to our headline story, Belize’s proposed national bus company. One of the big questions raised at today’s media briefing with Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh was about job security. Specifically: what happens to the bus drivers and conductors already working in the industry? Well, the short answer? There are no guarantees. Minister Zabaneh made it clear, anyone hoping to work with the new company will have to go through a screening process. Only the most qualified candidates will be hired. So, for many in the industry, the road ahead might come with a few unexpected turns.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“We are not going to say that you are all guaranteed to get jobs, because that is going to be reckless. We have to have a certain standard as to persons employed in the company. So you come in and meet those standards, do those interviews, have your qualifications. You are a driver and you drive properly, you pass certain interviews that will speak to your character. We are having a very dangerous situation where drivers are texting, they park and hang out and drink liquor. We know these things. So we have to have certain standards of who can come in and work with this company in the best interest, in terms of safety, and the comfort of our people.”
Paul Lopez
“It is left to be asked, why should I buy into this if I already have a job as a driver, conductor and I am already in the industry and now you are telling me I have to go through a screening process to determine if I will still keep my job or walk out of it unemployed.”
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“Right, that is where government has a responsibility to commuters and country to say if you want to stay out of it fine, there is others who have decided to join. I believe that anybody who takes that stand it is because they are afraid of a certain standard and they are the ones we don’t want in the industry.”
And before we wrap up this story tonight, let’s clear up one more question that’s been circling the national bus company conversation: can current bus owners choose to stay independent? The answer, according to Transport Minister Louis Zabaneh, is yes, they can continue operating under the existing system. But there’s a catch. He made it clear that whether you’re in or out of the new company, the standards will be the same. So, if you’re hitting the road, you’ll need to meet the same level of service and accountability expected from the national fleet.
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport
“What is likely to occur, we don’t know the future, but the south and west will be all on board. The south and west will likely be owners of national and a few in the north will come on board. We are hoping everyone will come on board. But if the south and west is shaping up there is no reason for those two regions to come fully on board. We don’t want to exclude anybody from the market because they could take us from court. We have a case right now with James and Floralia. So we are not excluding anybody they can have their permits. But even for people there now, we are ramping up our enforcement and rules, eight now as we speak.”
Bus Operator
“What will happen when the road service time comes up. Will you still renew the road service permit?”
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“It will be renewed anyone that is not a member of the national company.”
Bus Operator
“So the persons hat don’t agree.”
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“They will continue to operate.”
Bus Operator
“So you will renew it back?”
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“Once they are meeting the eighteen conditions.”
Minister Zabaneh says he will continue to meet with induvial bus owners torespond to their questions and concerns.
You’ve probably noticed them zipping around on the streets, electric vehicles are no longer a rare sight. Over the past decade, they’ve quietly become a go-to option for cleaner, greener travel. But while EVs are gaining ground, there’s still a gap when it comes to keeping them running. That’s because not many people are trained to fix or maintain them—yet. This week, that’s changing. Technicians from across the region are in Belize City, getting hands-on training at the Institute for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Belize is taking bold steps toward a cleaner, more modern future and it started with a quiet hum. Last month, the Belize City Council rolled out the e-Ride taxi service, giving residents a new way to get around quietly, cleanly, and sustainably. It’s the latest move following last year’s launch of electric buses. But while the city is charging ahead, many drivers across the region are still pumping the brakes. High costs and a lack of trained mechanics are keeping electric vehicles from going mainstream. That’s why this week, technicians from across the region are gathering at ITVET in Belize City to get hands-on training in EV maintenance.
Kevin Grant
Kevin Grant, Trainer
“ I have a passion for renewable energy and anything green and is always a joy to share that knowledge with people, whether local, regional, or international.”
Britney Gordon
“What are some of the topics that are being covered during this training specifically?”
Kevin Grant
“Specifically as you have the internal combustion engine and then you have your hybrid or your electrical. So what we want to do in the first case is make sure participants have a firm understanding of the internal combustion engine, and we explain the slight differences between the internal combustion engine versus the hybrid and the electric vehicles.”
This week, a regional training effort is bringing together minds and mechanics from across the Caribbean. It’s a powerful collaboration between Belize’s own Institute for Technical and Vocational Education, the University of Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago’s National Energy Skill Training Center. And for Jamaican technical trainer Emele Clarke, it’s more than just a workshop, it’s an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of sustainable transport in the region.
Emele Clarke
Emele Clarke, Participant
“ It’s so far, so good. Being here in the EV environment or the EV era of electric vehicles, it has been full of knowledge where we can pass on. I’m also a technical trainer in Jamaica, so I’m carrying back all of this wealth of knowledge that I will gain here right in Belize back home to my country. That’s Jamaica to impart to my students as a trainer.”
Grant, who has been working with electric vehicles and other forms of renewable energy for almost a decade, says this training is a key step towards popularizing the vehicles in the region.
Kevin Grant
“So a lot of people are hesitant to buy electric vehicles because they are of the belief there is no one to maintain them. And this training here is really a train the trainer where we will expose these trainers present and they will now go back and teach their students to make them well equipped to deal with both hybrid and electric vehicles.”
Clarke plans to take this information back to Jamaica, where he will pass it on to the youth and adults he educates,
Emele Clarke
“It’s good to share information go to communicate with each other, good to learn from all the manufacturers that have been in the vehicles and our safety. Safety is one of the most important things with honest to this hybrid and EV. So safety first. What sort of safety steps to take to end knowledge and to embrace it and to move forward with the era of EV and hybrid.”
Participants were not only educated in how to maintain these vehicles but were exposed to different models that may not be available in their country yet.
Emele Clarke
“Other parts of the Caribbean get different types of make vehicles. For example, now we have a dual here where in my country we don’t have it. We must have our BYD, we can have our MG, right? So it’s different type of matter vehicles, but it’s good to share knowledge and that’s what I’m doing now, sharing knowledge for everyone else.”
About twenty technicians are participating in the week-long training, and by Grant’s assessment, they have been high performers.
Britney Gordon
“What has the feedback been like thus far in terms of participation? Are they receptive? Are they learning and really, gathering the skills that you’re trying to impart on them?”
Kevin Grant
“I would say yes. They’re very receptive. They’re very motivated and hopefully, they can make a positive impact in the CARICOM region.”
The regional electric vehicle workshop wraps up this Friday, and then the journey continues. Trainers will be packing up their toolkits and heading to the next stop: Grenada. Britney Gordon for News Five.
