And turning now to some positive news, a new water taxi company in the city has introduced e-ticketing for a streamlined boarding process at their terminal.
Now, passengers are able to pre-purchase tickets online and scan their QR codes to board.
It's an innovation that's sure to shave a few minutes off your next trip to the cayes and tonight we're giving you a first-hand look at that system that offers rs promise to Belize's muddled transport ticketing system - which doesn't even exist for most ground transport. Cherisse Halsall has more.
Belize City has a new water taxi company, they're called Caribbean Sprinter and after taking over the headquarters of the old Ocean Ferry they've stepped it up by introducing an e ticketing system that saves travelers from standing in line to buy tickets.
Kayla Arnold, Software Trainer, Caribbean Sprinter
"It has been really easy, even when they arrive to the cashier they don't even have to pay cash we have a QR code right there on the cashier booth where they can just scan and pay with the card so it is so much easier for them and the online access is so much easier, we have people on Facebook email wise that respond like very quickly."
And there's been some changes at Caribbean Sprinter's terminal, now the building that was once the old firehouse has all new waiting spaces and a monitor to tell you exactly when the next departure and arrival are set to take place.
Kayla Arnold, Software Trainer, Caribbean Sprinter
"It does look differently as you can see you have your new service, you can self-service your own self when it comes to a return ticket. You just put in your itinerary number and it will send you a barcode, email wise or you can take a picture of it when you get to the boarding section, they will just scan it as well."
"It has made it easier for us and for our customers, it is so much easier to find your name into the system, to know what price to give them and so forth, so that is what makes it easier also when you travel with us we have a travel history in our system whereby we can see how many times you travel to give you a reward which would be a complimentary ticket to San Pedro, Caye Caulker or wherever your destination will be."
And this afternoon when we spoke to two men hoping the boat to Caye Caulker, they found Caribbean Sprinter's new system hassle free.
Customer, Caribbean Sprinter
"Yeah that makes traveling a lot easier, the better information, you know so, I just approached I saw the sign in front and I figured you know I didn't even make it to the San Pedro Water taxi."
Cherisse Halsall:
"Sir, what was it like buying this ticket with the new electronic system? It's more faster, more easier, you don't have to take the line."
Customer, Caribbean Sprinter
"I just came with my phone and it was easier, yup."
Caribbean Sprinter is currently in the process of adding new boats to its fleet.
