And while the Prime Minister washes his hands of the Novelo's to Z-Line deal, the fact is government guaranteed the loan and so it also guaranteed the sale so, by right, it should have overseen that loan and we are reliably informed, elements of the government in fact did have a very active hand in seeing it through. But that's part of the national debt now, the real question the government must ask itself tonight is who can take over the national bus system and at what price? Of course, those that come most quickly to mind are the Novelo brothers. It's a perverse turn, but the only men who seem able to save the system are the same ones who oversaw its demise. But will they? That's what Keith Swift asked David Novelo two hours ago.
David Novelo, National Transport
"At this moment I can say that the family's best interest at this time is to see what we can salvage within the company."
Keith Swift,
Will you guys take back the company?
David Novelo,
"All I can say is there is no firm commitment nor any negotiation."
Keith Swift,
What is the possibility that the family will?
David Novelo,
"Well we are the owners of the company so in the best interest of the family, we are extending our invitation to GOB and to the financier, the lenders, the bank, if we could find a solution."
Keith Swift,
So are you going to take it back?
David Novelo,
"I cannot say, everything is uncertain at this moment."
Novelo spoke to Keith Swift this evening at the Pound Yard Bridge which, as we showed you earlier, is now the new main bus terminal. We went there at 5:00 pm, when the loads of commuters were getting ready to get their buses to go home. But it's not quite a seamless operation, in fact it's a downright mess and frustrated commuters told Keith they've been waiting cluelessly for too long.
Commuter #1: Where will you sit down? Where will you put your luggage, both man and dog piss down there. What to do?
Keith Swift: You're not happy?
Commuter #1: I look like I am happy to you?
Keith Swift: Are you frustrated?
Commuter #2: Yes because I want to get home to my son and my husband right now and I am standing here. Our government needs to do better than this.
Keith Swift: You frustrated?
Commuter #3: Oh yes. The whole day we were walking and buying and now there is no bus. We have been here for like half an hour and they said the bus will come right now but that was half an hour ago. I just pray to God that something comes because if not we will be stuck here and the government will have to bring a blanket for us.
Commuter #4: I am standing here for one hour. They said we will get a bus so we don't have to worry. The only worry is if it will take all the people who are out here waiting.
Commuter #5: The whole situation what I think Keith is that the people are the ones to be blamed, these same people out here taking these buses, they are the ones to be blamed; no Novelo's, No Musa, no Fonseca, nobody-these are the people who put this government in place.
Sad to say, pretty much the same makeshift arrangements will have to continue to apply tomorrow. As the situation persists, the only thing that could possibly make it worse is bad weather.
