Tonight, the public wants to know that something will be done after bus drivers were caught on camera racing, and engaging in violent behaviour - with passengers telling them to stop.
Following the circulation of two disturbing videos online between two public buses, the Transport Department held a meeting today to discuss what happened and what consequences they will face.
Jaleeza Roberts has the story:
Yesterday two buses - Russel and Central Transit - were racing near mile one on the Phillip Goldson Highway. Each wanted to be the first to get to the stop and scoop up all the waiting commuters.
During the sprint, one of the buses belonging to Central Transit, appears to have brushed Russel's Bus.
A man alleged to be Lionel Russel then parked in front of the bus, got out with his side men and confronted the driver of Central Transit. One of them was carrying a baseball bat.
He was seen telling him off and hitting him in the head saying he will pay for damages.
Chief Transport Officer, Leon Gentle, says it's unacceptable:
Leon Gentle, Chief Transport Officer
"Today we had a National Transport Board meeting and while in that meeting the video was shared with the board members, currently the department is allowing the police to investigate the matter."
"We are working with the officers from Belize City to consult with the bus operators so that we're able to get an understanding of what happened today as the video is very disturbing and it depicts two buses traveling along the same direction."
"One bus had overtaken the other and ultimately blocking traffic and obstructing the flow of traffic to then leave their bus and move over to the other bus and allegedly assaulting both the conductor and the driver."
"We intend to ensure that this matter is dealt with with its utmost seriousness. The department wishes to express that this type of behavior is unacceptable. We do not condone violence or aggressive behavior especially within the public transport."
During that meeting several things were discussed including driver and conductor behavior.
Leon Gentle, Chief Transport Officer
"Regulation 181 under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act speaks to the conduct of these drivers and of course they should behave in a manner that is civil and orderly and they should all take responsibility for the lives of these passengers that they're transporting daily."
"It is important for us from the Department of Transport to ensure that we're following the legislation, especially when it comes to the conduct of these drivers and conductors."
While Gentle addresses the conduct, the safety of passengers is still being looked at closely. No sanctions have been decided on by the Transport Department. For now this matter remains under police investigation. Jaleeza Roberts, 7 News.
We will keep following the story to see what happens.
In related news, Cabinet supported the issuing of special permits for the transportation of wide loads on national highways. A release says this, along with recent amendments to road safety regulations, will improve safety and reduce the number of reported traffic accidents, which last year reached over 3,300.
Cabinet also approved support for improved enforcement capabilities by the Department of Transport. Additional Transport Officers and vehicles will allow the Department to conduct 24/7 enforcement.
