Photo: Chief Tourism Officer, Minister Ferguson and Ag. Chief Transport Officer
by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Tues. Aug. 8, 2023
Many Belizeans have welcomed the news that Autobuses de Oriente (ADO) has resumed its bus runs in Belize.
Following its inception in 2011, ADO buses used to operate routes from Belize City to a few Mexican cities, specifically Merida and Cancun, before heading back, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on its operations. However, after nearly four years and discussions between Belize’s Ministry of Tourism and other stakeholders, the Department of Transport had announced earlier this year via a press release, “ADO will be providing services from Belize City to Merida and Cancun starting on the proposed date of May 1, 2023.”
They had also pointed to the reintroduction of Guatemala’s Fuente Del Norte (FDN) bus company on the proposed date of April 21, 2023.
The most recent update from the Department of Transport indicated that ADO’s services would begin on Tuesday, July 15. They stated, “Having met all the requirements of the Department of Transport, effective July 15, 2023, the ADO Bus Company will resume its services between Cancún, Mexico, and Belize City.” According to the Transport Department, the buses would leave from Belize City at 7:00 p.m., and arrive in Cancun around 6:00 a.m. the following morning; and from Cancun, they would leave at 7:00 a.m., arriving in Belize in the evening.
Those runs did not commence on the scheduled date mentioned by the Transport Department, but according to reports, on August 1 ADO made its first run to Belize after a long absence.
A Government of Belize press release on Monday, August 7, stated: “Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Transport, attended the inauguration ceremony of Mobility ADO’s daily bus service between Belize and Cancun in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico, on August 4.”
It has also been noted that regulations for both foreign companies, ADO and FDN, have been put in place to safeguard the business of local operators.
For instance, ADO can only service passengers heading for Chetumal during the night, since no Belizean buses operate runs to Chetumal during those hours.
Furthermore, the two foreign bus lines are not allowed to pick up passengers within Belize headed to Corozal; they can only ferry passengers from Belize City to either Cancun or Chetumal.
Wrapping up the announcement, the department commented, “This is exciting news for the public as it will enhance connectivity and provide convenient transportation options between both countries. The ministry, through the Department of Transport, remains dedicated to promoting efficient and sustainable transportation systems that meet the needs of our citizens.”