The Belize Bus Association says it is preparing a plan to modernize public transportation along the Northern Corridor, and it wants the government to level the playing field for independent bus operators. Public Service Union President Dean Flowers is now weighing in, with a warning about the proposed Public Transportation Investment Bill. Flowers says government cannot promote one private bus company while leaving other operators without access to the same concessions needed to upgrade their fleets.
Dean Flowers
Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union
“It seems to be one that because the other operators did not join their party, if I can use that term or their project, to formulate this private entity, that they must now suffer the consequences and be punished. And we’re saying no. You’re dealing with one group of people who are referred to as bus operators, and if it is that you want to improve the service for commuters as you allege that you want all commuters from Corozal to Toledo, you want all commuters from Cayo to Belize City to be comfortable, to be safe to be transported in reliable buses. That is what you are saying that you want. Then if that is what you want, Mr. Minister, then you have to create an enabling environment that allows all bus operators to be able to do that. You cannot create a private company that you are not to be protecting and defending. You are the regulator. So I still don’t know why these people continue to be the face of the NBC when the NBC has a board that should be its face. You’re now y- you’re now being unfair in what you take to Parliament, and whilst doing that, what you’re not conscious of is that the commuters in the north and commuters in Belize City who are also workers and public sector – public officers, they stand to suffer. Because now, if you disenfranchise these other operators from not being able to have access to the kind of duty-free and excise concessions that you’re giving to your friends in the NBC, then these people cannot upgrade their buses.”
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