Antigua and Barbuda’s government has set up a special committee to look at all suggested changes to public bus fares over the next 90 days. This move was agreed on at the Cabinet’s October 21 meeting, after suggestions came from both the Antigua and Barbuda Bus Association and the government department in charge of transport. The proposed changes include gradual, step-by-step fare hikes, new fees for rides on official public holidays, and adjustments to the subsidized transport support for primary school kids who wear their school uniforms on trips. Cabinet’s official notes say bus operators right now are dealing with sharply higher costs for fuel, regular vehicle upkeep, insurance, replacement parts, staff pay, and buying new buses to replace old ones. The new committee will first measure how any possible fare increases would hit regular riders — especially students, elderly people, and low- to middle-income workers who depend on buses to get to work, school, and daily appointments. It will also take a close look at how the government’s current transport subsidy programs work, and check if local public bus services can stay financially stable for years to come. Right now, no fare hikes have been given final approval, and no specific new fare numbers have been shared with the public. The committee must turn in its full findings and formal suggestions within the 90-day window. After that, the full Cabinet will review the report and make a final call on what steps to take next.