Cabinet Agrees in Principle to 75-Cent Bus Fare Increase; Approves Interim Support for Operators

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Friday met with representatives of the Antigua and Barbuda Bus Association to discuss the Association’s request for an increase of 75 cents across the board in public bus fares.

Following discussions, Cabinet advised the Association that the Government agrees in principle to the proposed increase. However, Cabinet has requested additional time to assess the potential impact of the adjustment on consumers, particularly those who depend on public transportation for their daily travel.

The Government anticipates that the 75-cent increase will be implemented early in January 2027, following further assessment and consultations with the relevant stakeholders.

In the interim, Cabinet has approved a number of measures intended to provide immediate assistance to bus operators and help ease the financial pressures associated with operating public transportation services.

Cabinet agreed to provide bus operators with a fuel subsidy of $6 per gallon, for up to 10 gallons. This measure is intended to offer direct relief to operators while discussions continue on the proposed fare adjustment.

Cabinet also agreed that one of the two new service stations to be commissioned by the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) will be allocated to the Bus Association for its management. The arrangement is expected to provide the Association with an additional opportunity to participate in the fuel distribution sector and support the sustainability of its members’ operations.

Ministry of Finance officials have been instructed to meet with the Bus Association and other relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry responsible for Transportation, to further examine the proposed fare adjustment and its implications for commuters and operators.

The latest discussions build on Cabinet’s earlier decision to establish a committee to review proposals submitted by both the Bus Association and the Ministry responsible for Transport concerning the public transportation fare structure.

That review was established in recognition of the increasing costs faced by bus operators, including expenditure on fuel, vehicle maintenance, spare parts, insurance, labour and vehicle replacement. It also seeks to balance the financial viability of public transportation services with the need to protect passengers from additional cost-of-living pressures.

The committee was asked to examine, among other matters, proposed phased adjustments to standard bus fares, possible fares for designated public holidays and existing subsidized transportation arrangements for primary school children wearing their official school uniforms. It is required to submit its findings and recommendations to Cabinet within 90 days.

Cabinet’s latest decisions demonstrate the Government’s willingness to work with the Bus Association to address the legitimate concerns of operators while ensuring that any adjustment to public transportation fares takes account of the financial circumstances of commuters.

The Government remains committed to maintaining a reliable and sustainable public transportation system that serves the needs of bus operators, passengers and the wider community.