When water taxi prices shot up in April - the Belize Port authority was quick to jump in and bring them back down, saying the new rates were "illegal, unlawful, and not to be tolerated" - and insisted that the controlled price be observed.
But, since then, it seems that hardline has softened, and on Thursday, government sent out a release saying quote, "Cabinet gave its approval for amendments to the statutory instrument regarding water taxi regulations to introduce provisions to improve the safety and efficiency of the water taxi industry."
Well, it seems that means an "ok" to the increase in prices. Reports say that means a roundtrip to San Pedro from the city is now at $79, up from $55 dollars. A one way trip to San Pedro is now $41 dollars. There are also reports that the price of round trip ticket to Caye Caulker has increased from $37 to $61.00 on Ocean Ferry - while it is $59 on San Pedro Belize Express - up from $37 dollars.
We did call the Ports Commissioner Major Gilbert Swazo who said that indeed prices have increased but he did not have the specifics in hand.
Swazo has told other media that the increase is only temporary and described it is a "fuel surcharge" - to accommodate the high price of gas.
