So, now that the bus operators are getting their way when it comes to the tourists visiting the country, the Transport Minister wants to see them give a far better service to the Belizean public.
Throughout the dispute, fingers were pointed at him and the Government for foot-dragging, and so when the topic came up, he seized on the opportunity to take a jab at the local bus operators for the subpar service they provide.
Here's what he had to say:
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"When you go out there I know the general public still see - I ride my bike. I see the bus operators and a lot of them who are here, they run today, tomorrow - you will see them with standees. They need to live up to their part of the arrangement too, because the general Belizean population are looking out for a better quality of service from them as well. We are accommodating them to take over the tourists coming into our country whether it's from the northern or western border pr wherever, but also the general public out there need a better transportation system, still waiting and relying on them selling ticket rather than bashing those who are selling tickets - join together so that when you buy your ticket and you know you want to go to Corozal or Orange Walk - you could buy your ticket go home and relax. Those things still need to be implemented. The Belizean population is still looking for that. They are not doing that, but yet we are trying to assist them to deal with now another segment of the population or tourists coming into our country, but the bus operators they need to be real to the general public as well and do their part. They want a raise because this or that wasn't right - we provide a raise for them - standardize the prices. They say that they would have done this and that, they are falling down on it was well. I want to see better busses in our country. I want to see that we the general population out there also have nice busses like the busses they will provide to go and pick up the tourists at the western border and the busses that they will replace going to the northern border. The general grandma and grandpa out there who wants to catch the bus doesn't want to be standing on the bus and have to get battered by someone. We need to provide better services for those people as well."
These commitments from bus owners that Castro is referring to were agreed upon several months ago when the bus fares were increased.
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