Bus Operators’ Gripe with Neighbours over Bus Runs to Be Discussed
Last week, the Belize Bus Association raised issue over what it said was the practice of buses from neighbouring countries running through Belize and picking up other passengers along the same route, which affects their business. These buses were running routes through Belize with specific destinations prior to the COVID pandemic. But the runs have not resumed. News Five spoke with Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico, Oscar Arnold, who said that the talks over these runs will come up very soon.
Oscar Arnold
Oscar Arnold, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico
“I know that in the border towns, especially in bordering Melchor and Peten and in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico some of our local bus operators do run to Chetumal, or did run to Chetumal. There’s a new governor for the state of Quintana Roo who will be sworn in over this weekend, I believe. And I do think that there will be some talks surrounding what can be allowed and what can be permitted. I know that the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Rodwell Ferguson is very engaged and he is on the ground. He’s an individual who tries to keep his thumb on the pulse and so I believe that those talks will continue to try to benefit both sides of the border. I know that Mexico has certain laws for buses or the type of buses that can traverse on their federal highways and as well in certain municipalities. I don’t know if that’s where the issue is concerned but I know that it is something that he will look at and can speak to. We will try to facilitate as the mission here in Mexico City to have both discussions with the federal and the state entities to try to ensure that there’s a free flow of not only tourists, but of Mexican nationals who also want to visit Belize because there’s a new appreciation for the type of friendship and the type of camaraderie that we have across both borders. We have to ensure that there is a free movement, free flow of individuals that can benefit both Belize and Mexico.”
Minister of Transport, Rodwell Ferguson has said that bus operators from Guatemala and Mexico have expressed their interest in returning to our roads but that he has made it clear to them that Belize will only reciprocate what their countries allow our buses to do.
