The Belize City Council's E-Ride transit buses hit the streets today on their inaugural run. Shantel Neal took the ride to get a firsthand look and feel for the passenger experience, and to find out why everyone's not getting on the bus. Here's her story:
We hopped on the inaugural run of the Belize City Council's E-Ride today and were greeted by a friendly conductor who handed out commemorative keychains and stickers. While our hour-long journey carried only 5 passengers, others opted to wait at the bus stop, perhaps hesitant to try the new service- which does cost a little more. We spoke to E-Transit Start Up Coordinator, Neil Hall, who remained optimistic as he acknowledged the initial trickle of passengers but expressed confidence that things will pick up throughout the day and in the coming weeks.
Neil Hall, E transit Start Up Coordinator, Belize City Council
"I am very happy with the turn out so far, this morning with the rain we didn't get any on our very first run when the bus left at 5:30 in the morning, well because it had just finished raining. But since then we have been having small trickles of people who are seeing the bus and taking a ride on the bus because most of them are saying, "I am taking this to return" "Where catch it?" and that's the best compliment that we can receive so far."
"If you ride on City Shuttle and I believe it's $2 for the ride that's fare if your ride on the Belize City E ride where you have air conditioning, complimentary wifi, you have brand new state of the art bus, you have bus that leans, you have a bus that, it's an upgrade. Then I really don't see challenge for you to pay just a dollar more one, as well the cost is something that city shuttle as well as the other operators has asked us to do."
And while Hall boasted that he really didn't see the challenge in paying a little more, this bus driver for a traditional bus begs to differ.
Urvin, Bus Driver
"People decide with their money who they want to ride."
Reporter
"Was the bus full this morning?"
Urvin, Bus Driver
"No"
Reporter
"Would you say that the EV Buses are competition?"
Urvin, Bus Driver
"Absolutely not, no."
Reporter
"Why do you think so?"
Urvin, Bus Driver
"Because they are not on my route, they have their own route."
Reporter
"Do you think the coast is the reason why people are still taking the regular bus?"
Urvin, Bus Driver
"Could they afford $3, if they could barely afford $2? Think about it."
These senior commuters who are now enjoying rides for just $1, couldn't hide their enthusiasm for the new E-Ride. They remarked on the service's convenience and affordability, emphasizing that a good price is all that matters as long as it gets them where they need to be.
Sarita Peters, Commuter
"Well as long as it gets to where I want to go I think I will ride it."
Reporter
"Why did you decide to take this bus instead of the next one?"
Ada Gallego, Commuter
"Because it's most comfortable and it's clean and I hope we Belizeans keep it very clean. It's a nice bus. I love the air condition."
Reporter
"What do you think about the price of the bus? It's quite different from the other one?"
Ada Gallego, Commuter
"Very good, you can't this, quality, for that it's very good."
Reporter
"What do you think about longevity? Do you think it will last over time?"
Ada Gallego, Commuter
"It will everything take time, people will have things to say but can't study that we have to make it the best for ourselves."
And while it may get rave reviews, making it through the tight spaces of Belize City's streets - can prove a little more challenging as this EV bus got into its first fender bender today.
Hall says that this week will be used to collect data needed to make the runs more efficient and that he is already foreseeing some of the 39 stops originally slated will have to be cut down because of being too close to each other.
