Bus Consolidation Committee Moves Forward with National Transport Reform

The National Bus Consolidation Pro Tempore Advisory Committee is advancing plans to establish the Consolidated National Bus Company, a public-private partnership that is modernizing Belize’s transportation system. The committee met on Friday, October 3, to review progress and outline the next steps in the transition process.

Officials reported that the new company has already secured 71 percent of the national market share through commitments from bus operators. Financial audits of participating operators are currently underway, with an opening balance sheet expected by mid-November. This will form the basis for determining equity participation and financial projections for the company.

Stakeholder consultations have also intensified, involving operators, financial institutions, and international partners. These discussions are focused on gathering key information and ensuring transparency and inclusivity as the sector moves toward consolidation.

The timeline for implementation remains on track. The Consolidated National Bus Company is scheduled to begin operations on January 1, 2026. The rollout will feature enhanced safety standards, upgraded and new terminals, and the gradual introduction of new buses over the next two to three years.

The committee emphasized that the move is not a nationalization but a public-private partnership designed to strengthen public transportation and align Belize with international sustainable development goals.

Committee members include representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, the Statistical Institute of Belize, the University of Belize, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, the Ministry of Economic Transformation, the Attorney General’s Ministry, the media, bus operators, commuters, the business community, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).