In other news… we've been closely following the discontent in the public transportation industry in which members of the Belize Bus Operators came very close to a national shutdown in protest.
They and other motorists continue to punish under the high cost of diesel, which is currently set at 13 dollars and 41 cents per gallon.
But, the members of the Belize Bus Association say that they didn't receive any relief for the 2 years of pain during the height of the COVID pandemic and that they are running their operations on credit now.
Today, reports reached 7News that the BBA was becoming agitated once again. That's because supposedly, the government was attempting to renege on commitments made 2 weeks ago at their most recent meeting. Late this evening, they held a follow-up meeting with the Minister of Transport for an update. Our colleagues from Plus TV News were at the meeting venue when the two sides exited, and they got a chance to speak with Rodwell Ferguson. Here's what he told them about an initial agreement for a fuel subsidy and a bus fare increase which commuters will have to pay:
Hon, Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport
. "From time to time this ministry meet with the bus owners, because we are partners in this industry and so when they are not happy and they are not satisfied, they come and they get their information. Its a partnership between the ministry and the operators and especially with the price of fuel right now, their complaints are always high and we came to a conclusion just a while ago that government is going to give an increase in the price for the commuter to pay, but there is also a subsidy. So I cannot mentioned anything about the subsidy until next week Tuesday when cabinet meets and then we will meet again at 3:30 next week Tuesday to agree and decide to what we have come to and this is what they will work with once we agree. Right now, we have come to an impasse where we say we will hold off until next week Tuesday at 3:30."
Reporter
"What are some of the concerns brought up that were addressed in this meeting?"
Hon, Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport
"The main concern is the price of fuel, because they are saying that they are not making any money, because the price is now almost $14 a gallon for diesel and most of their busses are diesel busses and so I understand their plight and their concerns, but it's not my decision, I have to take it to cabinet for approval, so whatever left now I'll go back to cabinet on Tuesday and after Tuesday that we have a final price, a final structure, a final figure for the bus operators."
Reporter
"More or less what's the price increase at we may be looking at when it comes to the increased bus fares?"
Hon, Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport
"There were 3 tiers, we were saying anything between 11 miles or 12 miles and below its $.25 and anything between 12 miles and 31 miles is $.50 anything over 31 miles is a dollar increase. So that's what we came up with and that is still not enough for them and so when we go with the subsidy, they should get an increase plus a subsidy."
As you heard, the Minister will discuss the matter at the next Cabinet Meeting to get final approval. It is anticipated that these bus fare increases will take effect on April 15.
