Following a high-level closed-door meeting between Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet and the national bus operators association last Friday, local public transport providers have expressed widespread relief over a newly rolled-out targeted fuel support package, even as the government extends its timeline for approving a long-debated bus fare hike originally slated to launch in early January. The temporary fuel subsidy allocates a $6 per gallon discount for up to 10 gallons per operator, directly cutting their on-road fuel expenses at the pump. Keith Roy Black Sr., president of the bus operators’ association, noted the group was deeply grateful for the immediate financial lifeline, adding that the entire cohort was pushing for the subsidy to be formally implemented as early as the coming Monday to ease mounting operational cost pressures. In a parallel policy decision announced after the Cabinet talks, the West Indies Oil Company will hand over management of one of its two upcoming new service stations to the bus association, creating a dedicated refueling hub tailored to public transport fleet needs. Black also emphasized that operators would be required to deliver tangible service improvements to justify any future fare adjustment, in direct response to longstanding public feedback pointing out gaps in bus maintenance and passenger experience. He stressed that operators could not prioritize financial gains alone, and must fulfill reciprocal community obligations to deliver higher quality, safer public transport for commuters. To move the fare review process forward, a working group comprising representatives from the Finance Ministry, the Transport Ministry, and the bus operators association will conduct further granular analysis of the proposed fare increase, while a separate cross-sector committee will conduct a comprehensive overhaul of the full public transport fare structure, including adjustments to holiday pricing and discounted rates for uniformed primary school students.
Bus operators welcome $6 fuel subsidy as Antigua and Barbuda fare increase expected in January
