Minister of Transport Addresses Concerns on Public Buses

In recent weeks, there have been several alarming incidents involving public buses running off the highway and even catching fire. These events have put commuters’ lives at risk, though thankfully, no one has been hurt. However, the increasing frequency of these mishaps has sparked a public outcry. Many are demanding that the Government of Belize remove these old, worn-out buses from the roads. So, what is the newly appointed Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, going to do about it? We spoke with him today to find out.

 

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of Transport

“This is a critical function that must be carried out very carefully. We have seen in the past month alone some serious cases, accidents on the road, busses catching fire. These are of grave concern to us, it is a hazard to the public, certainly commuters on those buses, but also to other persons on the highways. It is critical and I have instructed to carry out necessary inspections of these buses. It goes beyond that because we have to look at a certification program for drivers of buses. They are entrusted with the lives of people on their buses. We cannot have drivers who are reckless, who we understand in between runs, when they are waiting to go back to where they came from, that they are seen in public drinking. Or when they drive, they are seen texting while driving, racing on the road, these are some things that are of grave concern to us and we are going to be adamant in making sure that we use the full force of our rules and regulations to curb these kinds of actions. And, the operators who are engaged with those types of activities will be held accountable.”