Public transport set for significant change as Ministry of Transport outlines path forward

Posted: Thursday, June 19, 2025. 12:37 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Belize’s Ministry of Transport is pressing ahead with its proposal to establish a National Bus Company, despite initial rejection from the Belize Bus Association (BBA). The ministry reports that approximately half of the current operators, around 15 bus owners, have agreed to join the new venture as shareholders, while the other half remain hesitant.

The BBA’s recent press release raised concerns about the transparency of the project, demanding a comprehensive financial model and a five-year projection before committing to the initiative. However, Minister of Transport Dr Louis Zabaneh in a press conference on Tuesday emphasized the importance of conducting a formal valuation before releasing such sensitive financial data.

“In order to produce accurate projections and do proper comparisons, we need a thorough valuation,” Zabaneh stated. “Until the auditors complete their work and we have reliable data, we can’t provide estimates that might be challenged later.”

The government plans to have initial financial figures ready by August to present to Cabinet, with the goal of launching the company by January 2026 — potentially with or without all operators from the BBA.

A key component of the plan involves upgrading existing bus terminals and building new ones, which will require non-participating operators to pay usage fees once renovations are complete — a move Zabaneh considers fair, as all operators are given the option to participate from the beginning.

Critics, including the BBA, warn that the creation of a national company could lead to increased fares. Zabaneh countered this, assuring that fare hikes are unlikely. He explained that increased revenue would result from reduced theft and better financial management, not from raising prices.

“The aim is to improve revenue collection and reduce costs,” he said. “This will lead to a larger profit margin, which should enable us to keep fares low and maintain affordability.”

For operators choosing to join, participation will require passing interviews and meeting certain standards, including safety and character assessments. Zabaneh stressed the importance of responsible drivers amid concerns over unsafe practices on the road.

One of the 15 supportive operators, Joel Armstrong of Armstrong Bus Service, expressed confidence in the plan’s potential success. “It’s a good plan if implemented responsibly,” Armstrong said. “The people are responsible for making it work — I believe in their support.”

The transition to the new company includes replacing older buses with 150 newer models gradually, providing safer, more reliable transportation for Belize’s commuters.

 

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

 

© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.

The post Public transport set for significant change as Ministry of Transport outlines path forward appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Thursday, June 19, 2025. 12:37 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Belize’s Ministry of Transport is pressing ahead with its proposal to establish a National Bus
The post Public transport set for significant change as Ministry of Transport outlines path forward appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.