New Tiered Bus Fare System Approved to Take Effect April 24

There is now a major update tonight to the proposed increase in bus fares, following an official document that has just reached our newsroom.  Correspondence from the Ministry of Constitution and Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs, and Transportation confirms that Cabinet has formally approved a structured, tiered fare system for national highway transportation.  According to the letter addressed to Phillip Jones, President of the Belize Bus Association, operators will now be allowed to charge up to 18 cents per mile for regular service, 20 cents per mile for express service, and up to 22 cents per mile under a newly introduced premium category.  The document outlines that the premium service is an optional category and will require higher standards, including newer buses, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and non-stop service between key destinations.  Importantly, the fares will be rounded to the nearest twenty-five cents, and the new structure is expected to bring greater flexibility to the sector while still maintaining affordable options for commuters.  The decision comes in response to requests from operators who have been grappling with rising fuel costs, and Government says the move is intended to support the stability of the national transportation system while avoiding disruptions in service.  The letter, signed by Minister of Transport Louis Zabaneh, also confirms that the new fare system will take effect on Friday, April 24, 2026.  This means that commuters across the country should now prepare for slight increases in bus fares, depending on the type of service they choose.