Bus rate hikes take effect Good Friday; fuel subsidy also confirmed

By Aaron Humes: While very few buses, by tradition, will run next Good Friday, April 15, passengers will have to fork out some more money to travel that day and thereafter.

The government has confirmed via press release that the bus fare hikes have been limited to a maximum of one dollar on most routes countrywide, where some commuters would have paid three dollars more one-way.

For travel below 13 miles, for example from Belize City to Ladyville/Lords’ Bank, the cost goes up 25 cents. For travel between 13 and 25 miles, for example from San Ignacio to Belmopan, the cost goes up 50 cents; and for travel above 25 miles, for example from Belize City to Belmopan, the cost goes up $1.

New fares apply to both regular and express runs – so a Westline Bus from Belize City to Belmopan will now cost seven rather than six dollars as it is a regular run, making stops in the villages; but a James Bus traveling the same route is express, meaning it does not stop anywhere between the City and Belmopan, and it will now cost eight rather than seven dollars. Check your local providers for official prices.

As previously reported, the Cabinet has approved a fuel subsidy of 91 cents per gallon per one-way trip in excess of 13 miles to cushion commuters from the impacts of fuel prices. Nonetheless, recent increases in diesel prices due to global fuel price surges necessitated the increase. The fuel subsidy was approved for a six-month period with a cap on diesel at $12.50 which will represent over $1 million in savings to commuters.

The statutory instrument containing the regulated fares will follow.

Bus companies remain under orders by the Department of Transport to begin upgrading their bus fleets before the end of 2022 in order to receive longer road service permits.

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