In a recent statement dated October 5, 2026, Belize’s Minister of Transportation Dr. Louis Zabaneh has pledged to maintain open communication channels with the Belize Bus Association (BBA), even as the national government pushes forward with a major initiative to consolidate the country’s fragmented public transportation network under the newly established National Bus Company (NBC).
This commitment comes on the heels of a leadership transition within the BBA, where long-time industry veteran Froylan Gilharry has stepped into the role of president, replacing outgoing leader Philip Jones. The shift in leadership comes amid lingering industry skepticism over the government’s NBC consolidation framework, with many independent bus operators remaining uncertain about how the new system will impact their livelihoods and long-term operations.
To address these concerns, Dr. Zabaneh emphasized that participation in the National Bus Company is entirely voluntary, pushing back against narratives that the government is forcing independent operators to surrender their businesses. “Independent operators remain fully free to chart their own course,” he confirmed, noting that the government is willing to support operators that choose to establish their own independent companies rather than join the NBC.
Addressing the ongoing divide between the government and some segments of the bus operator community, Dr. Zabaneh acknowledged that skepticism persists. “I was hoping that that divide would close a little bit but it seems to still be there,” he said. “I must say that some other members of the BBA have expressed that they’re understanding what it all means and I would hope that more of them would do so.”
For operators that choose to launch their own independent entities, the government has offered full transparency and support. “That aside, we have said to them, if you wish to form your own company and you want to do your own thing, we will gladly share what we learned from this process to help you,” Dr. Zabaneh explained. Independent operators can then apply for multi-year concessions through the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), with concession terms potentially extending to five years or longer, depending on application outcomes.
All operators seeking concessions, whether aligned with the NBC or operating independently, will be required to meet the same high international service and safety standards that the National Bus Company is held to, Dr. Zabaneh clarified. Operational governance for independent companies will be guided by their own articles of incorporation and memoranda of association, rather than government mandate.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Transportation reaffirmed its long-term commitment to collaborating with the Belize Bus Association to lift up and improve the overall quality of Belize’s domestic transportation sector. “I believe that going forwards, we will continue to discuss and have rapport with them hopefully they can find a path that works for them,” Dr. Zabaneh added.