Transport Minister Edmond Castro was challenged about the new bus fares at today's house sitting. The question for the minister came from the Corozal Southeast Representative Florencio Marin. He asked about the fares in the north, which increased more than any other part of the country. Now, they are still paying 12 to 14 cents per mile just like everyone else. But, that increase seems more drastic because bus operators in that area passed up the last opportunity at a fare increase in 2010. So now there's a double increase - and, understandably, commuters are feeling the pinch. Castro said Marin's questions displayed a lack of empathy:
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"Because you are not concern about those poor people in the south that was paying 28 - 29 cents a mile. That's none of your concern for poor black people to be paying $11 to go 40 plus miles. When you know for sure travelling on a bus from Belize City to Belmopan which is 50 miles - you can't ask anyone to pay even $10. What I am saying is your concern is only about the people in the north. So I am telling you member from Corozal Southeast that in order for them to be moving people back and forth from Corozal, Orange Walk to Belize City at 7 cents a mile in 2010 and 2015 and now 2016 - at 7 cents a mile. You have to be running something else, something has to be happening - it's impossible."
But Castro also showed sympathy for commuters who he says have to pay more for bad service. He urged standees not to pay:..
Hon. Edmond Castro, Minister of Transport
"So now that the price is stabilize at the 12-14 cents a mile. So now the bus operators nationwide, well you know now we can't charge you that $3.50 to Orange Walk again - it's the government increasing the price and the new price is 12 cents a mile. Everyone now has calculator on their phones - come on. If you had work with the people and let them know that we stabilize price at 10 cents - $5.50 to Orange Walk and not $3.50. Don't come and give them a shock and say its $6.00. Man, no one will want to ride your bus, especially if you are providing the same crappy service. This is what the commuters disagree with and we are begging that those bus operators out there - in some cases people doesn't mind paying a dollar more, but going along, if you have the heart to pick up somebody, 50 miles they have to stand up. You know how many miles they actually walk from Belize City to Belmopan when they stand in those bus? They walk at least 20-25 miles, because every time the bus goes front and back - you walk almost the whole darn way. This must end."
"If they have the audacity to pick you up and charge you the same darn price, if it was me I wouldn't pay, because I walk half the way from Belmopan to Belize City or to Dangriga back and forth like you're in a marching army."
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