Bus Operators Are Aware that “Commuters Deserve Better” Says President of Belize Bus Association

As for the President of the Belize Bus Association, Thomas Shaw, he says all bus operators know that commuters deserve better than what is currently being offered in the public transport industry. He, however, argues that upgrading fleets is a costly endeavour. And as it stands right now, operators are struggling to make ends meet.

On the Phone: Thomas Shaw, President, Belize Bus Association

“My take on that is yes, all of our operators believe that the commuters deserve better. But, the consultants came in again and they stated that there has to be a formula that when the fuel goes up this is the price. It shouldn’t go lower than where it is at right now and in whatever if you want to receive you have to give and if you are not giving how you can receive. A lot of people say that they want but are you in position to give? Not everybody and I think people should have choices. You can’t just push a new bus out there and tell everybody you have to ride it because not everybody can afford it. Maybe, you have a first class, second class, and a three tier system where people can choose what to ride.”

Paul Lopez

“I made note of several things, including seating space, standees are still being taken on some of these express buses, these busses still make stops, authorities as checkpoints are not enforcing the rules, and some metal buses have wooden flooring. I am point these out as grave concerns for Belizean commuters.”

Thomas Shaw

“One of the biggest problems is that whenever we are to issue a road service permit we are to go on the grounds and do our due diligence and see if the service is needed. It is not everybody that goes in that should get a road service permit and that is one of the reason why some of the express buses pick up because it is not needed and when they leave they only have five then passengers on board. So, in other words to make it up they got to stop on the road.”