School bus fare subsidies under review as Government weighs fare increases

By Algernon Watts
The Government is reviewing subsidised bus transportation for primary schoolchildren alongside proposals to increase public bus fares, raising concerns about additional costs for families already struggling with rising household expenses.
The review comes as inflation has reached seven percent, petrol prices have climbed to nearly EC$18 per gallon and families are paying more for electricity, housing and other essential services.
According to the 21 October Cabinet Notes, a committee has been established to examine proposals submitted by the Antigua and Barbuda Bus Association and the Ministry responsible for Transport. These include changes to existing arrangements for subsidised transportation for primary schoolchildren wearing their official uniforms.
The proposals also include phased increases in standard bus fares and the introduction of fares on designated public holidays.
For households with two or three children travelling to school daily, even a modest transportation charge could add up over a school term, particularly as parents are already paying for groceries, school supplies, utilities and other necessities.
Figures released by the Statistics Division earlier this month showed that consumer prices rose seven percent in the 12 months ending September 2026, up from 5.5 percent in August.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 12.6 percent over the year, while transportation costs rose 12 percent. Actual housing rentals increased by 8.9 percent.
Although average food prices declined slightly, the reductions were not enough to offset increases in other major household expenses.
That marked a total increase of EC$3.49 per gallon since the beginning of September, adding to transportation expenses for motorists and businesses.
Households have also been confronted with higher electricity costs, including an increase in the Antigua Public Utilities Authority’s fuel variation charge from 80 to 88 cents per kilowatt-hour for October.
Against that background, the possibility of higher public transportation costs presents another concern for workers and families whose incomes may not be keeping pace with rising prices.
For parents who rely on public buses to get their children to school, the existing subsidy arrangements help reduce household transport expenses.
Any reduction in that support could force families to find additional money for transport or make adjustments elsewhere in their spending.