Bus Operators Threaten Nationwide Service Shutdown Over Diesel Costs

The Belize Bus Association is warning that its member operators could discontinue bus services beginning Monday, August 24, if the Government does not provide relief from what it describes as the unsustainable cost of diesel. In a letter dated August 20 and addressed to Prime Minister John Briceño and Minister of Transport Dr. Louis Zabaneh, BBA President Philip Jones says operators can no longer absorb rising operating expenses without government assistance. According to the Association, it first raised the matter with the Ministry of Transport on July 15, ahead of the expiration of the diesel subsidy on August 4. The issue was subsequently brought directly to the Prime Minister’s attention on August 5, but the BBA says no solution has been implemented. The Association says a previous government intervention provided critical financial relief that allowed bus operators to continue providing services. However, it says the industry has now returned to the same financial position that prompted that intervention. The BBA says operators have continued absorbing the cost of diesel over the past two weeks, along with higher expenses for parts, tires and other essential supplies.