Gales Point Finally Gains New Bus Service

Today, the Ministry of Transport launched a new bus route to help travelers along the Coastal Plain Highway. For months, residents of Gales Point village and nearby areas have been vocal about the difficulties of getting to Belize City from Dangriga. Despite the upgrades to the Coastal Plain Highway, no bus company was willing to take on the route—until now. Alma Bus Service has stepped up to fill the gap. We spoke with Minister of Transport Rodwell Ferguson to find out who will benefit from this new service.

 

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport

“There has  been a request  for several months from the village of Gales Point and Maldiva  to facilitate a bus run through the coastal area. But those are the only two communities on the highway and they are very small. And so when they check with some operators, they are saying, I don’t know if it’s going to be profitable. So a couple months ago, a gentleman came to me, who lives in the middle of Santa Cruz, Town Creek. But he’s originally from Gales Point. He she want to take up a challenge  to try a bus run through the coastal highway from Santa Cruz to Dangriga, past Molngeva, past Gales Point, into Belize City. Right away, I welcomed the idea and I ask him to apply to the Belize Transport Board  to see if were going to get their approval.  Right away, they welcomed it because they said, we are waiting for somebody to come to take up this challenge and this route.  Because most people believe it’s not going to be profitable,  but even if Santa Cruz were to pass Hopkins Junction, Mile Center, Silk Grass. he believe that he’s going to pick up passengers along that road into Dangriga into Belize City.  So the bus leaves Santa Cruz at 4 30 in the morning. Should we should reach police about 7 45 for those who want which in time for work and return from this at three p. m. in the afternoon. So let’s hope it’s gonna work. Because we have Gilles Point, and Malingeva is the dining of some kind of transportation mode. It started this morning. And so myself and the chief transport officer went to Dangriga this morning to see what would have been the first impression. I guess people don’t know about the bus as yet.  And so only four passengers left Dangriga this morning, but I believe in time is going to pick up.”

 

Britney Gordon

“You said that the first bus is at 4. 30 a.m. Do you know when the last bus is and how frequently they move off?”

 

Rodwell Ferguson

“There’s only one bus for right now on the trail.  It leaves Santa Cruz at 4:30 a. m. and should reach Belize at 8 a. m. in the morning more or less. It’s to see what would be the requirements and needs.”

 

Britney Gordon

“Right, I know it’s in its trial. He’s trying it out for now. Do you know how much it costs to, to do this route? And what type of bus it is? If it’s like one of those repurposed school buses, or if it’s a similar to a Floralia bus.”

 

Rodwell Ferguson

“I will send you a picture of the bus. It’s a 2005, I can’t remember the brand, but it’s a beautiful bus in and out. I got into the bus this morning. Even the air conditioning was very cold.”

 

For more information:

https://edition.channel5belize.com/gales-point-residents-want-public-transportation-in-village/