Bus Association Wants In on Electric Bus Pilot

The Belize Bus Association is formally requesting inclusion in the next phase of Belize’s electric bus pilot project, arguing that independent operators must be given the same opportunity as other transport providers to test and evaluate the new technology under real Belizean operating conditions.  In a letter dated today, May 27, and addressed to Minister of Transportation Dr. Louis Zabaneh, the association says it fully supports the modernization of Belize’s public transportation sector and the government’s push toward cleaner and more sustainable transport solutions. However, the BBA insists that the transition must be inclusive and practical for operators across the country. According to the association, the current pilot phase has so far seen two electric buses assigned to Belize City routes and three buses deployed along the western corridor through operators linked to the National Bus Company structure. The BBA says none of its members have yet been allowed to operate the electric buses directly, placing them at a disadvantage when it comes to understanding the technology, maintenance requirements, investment implications, and long-term viability of the system.  The association argues that simply reviewing data or presentations from the pilot is not enough, and says operators must gain firsthand experience with charging requirements, range limitations, maintenance needs, route suitability, passenger loading, and overall operational costs before being expected to make major investment decisions.  As part of its proposal, the BBA is asking government to rotate the current pilot buses into routes operated by association members. Specifically, the group is requesting the opportunity to operate two electric buses on Belize City routes and three buses on national highway routes currently served by BBA operators.  The association also says a wider rollout would allow commuters in other parts of the country, including northern routes and additional Belize City runs, to experience the benefits of electric public transportation, including quieter and cleaner service.  In the letter, BBA President Philip Jones says the association is now more united than ever and remains committed to improving the passenger experience and modernizing the public transportation industry. The association says it is not seeking special treatment, but rather equal and meaningful inclusion in a national transition that will directly affect the future of bus transportation in Belize.  The BBA is now requesting a meeting with Minister Zabaneh and his technical team to discuss the possible rotation of electric buses into BBA-operated routes as part of the next stage of the pilot program.