Bus line, taxis, agree to compromise

Late this evening, Mayor David Fonseca met with representatives of Novelo’s Bus Terminal Taxi Association to try and resolve issues that had developed between the drivers, the Traffic Department and the management of Novelo’s Bus Company. According to the drivers, they were told to move because their vehicles were creating congestion in front of the bus terminal. On Thursday afternoon, they met with Mayor Fonseca and it was decided, for the moment, to allow the taxi drivers to continue to operate from the location. Today, however, Fonseca says it was agreed by all parties concerned that the taxi stand should be relocated just a couple of car lengths down the street.

David Fonseca, Belize City Mayor

“A proper loading an off loading bay would be made available, with proper signs and everything in front of the bus terminal. And we have also agreed to move a planter or some cement structure that is out there on along the canal side, to accommodate more space. And also we will be having our traffic wardens out there on the high time days: basically Tuesday, Fridays and Saturdays, to monitor other vehicles that come into the area to do market vending, that also creates a problem for the taxis because they use the taxi’s area to park in. So we will be having our traffic officers out there for a period of weeks for this to be put in place properly.”

Theodore Henry, President, Taxi Stand

“What was put to us in the meeting we agreed to because Belize has become something now that we need to change things. What we didn’t like, was the method they were first using on us. Now, that we have sat down and we have put everything on the table, we are sure that we’re trying to implement something that will be beneficial to every player in this game.”

Jacqueline Woods

“Do you think your co-workers will be satisfied with this agreement?”

Theodore Henry

“We saw it essential, and we will try our best to get the other to see what we saw in this meeting. Because when we talk about change, we have to give and take.”

Mayor Fonseca says that in agreement with Novelo’s, the taxi association will put in place a line system similar to the one that is used at the airport. There will be a representative from the taxi association placed inside the terminal to make sure each driver adheres to the system. Fonseca says there are plans for Novelo’s to expand and modernise the bus terminal to include ample space for taxis.