Ritchie’s Bus to seek judicial review after Transport cancels their road service permit

Ritchie’s Bus Service, based in Stann Creek, is making plans to seek judicial review of the Ministry of Transport’s decision to cancel their road service permits. On January 16, Chief Transport Officer, Dian Vasquez-Garbutt wrote to the company saying that their permits will not be renewed and their last day to operate runs in the south is February 13. She cites several reasons for this decision, including several reports from the terminal that the operators’ runs are inconsistent due to largely mechanical failures. She also says that commuters have complained about “the safety, reliability, and quality of service being offered” by the company. The company has enlisted the help of attorney-at-law, Orson “OJ” Elrington, who spoke to Love News just before news time.

When asked whether this decision to deny Ritchie’s Bus their runs to Stann Creek has political undertones, Elrington suggested this is a way to box out the competition and make room for a “preferred” company. 

Again, the company will be applying to the court to seek leave for judicial review of the Ministry’s decision. We will continue to follow this story