BAPDA Supports E-Buses, Criticizes Resistance from Traditional Bus Operators

Private bus operators in Belize City continue raising concerns about how the new electric buses are affecting their businesses. Arthur Saldivar, attorney for City Shuttle Limited, Lopez Bus, and Lemoth and Sons, claims his clients are struggling financially due to the e-buses’ ‘competitive pricing.’ 

In an interview with News 5 on Friday, Saldivar criticised the price changes of the e-buses, which he claims now compete directly with the private sector. He stated, “They have slashed prices to be in direct competition with the private sector operators.”

In response, the Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities (BAPDA) has expressed support for the new electric buses. In a press release dated August 17, 2024, BAPDA praised the e-bus initiative for improving accessibility and service for persons with disabilities. BAPDA criticised the existing bus operators for their resistance to fleet improvements saying, “For many years, the city and district buses were asked to improve their fleet, to upgrade, to become more safety aware and to offer better services to their commuters and, for years, they have resisted, found fault with and basically ignored all warnings, edicts, proposal to do better.” 

BAPDA noted that despite minor issues, the new electric buses are already a significant improvement, stating, “There are minor kinks to work out but they are running and better serving the community of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and, for that, we are highly appreciative.”