Bus drivers strike leaving passengers stranded

Hundreds of commuters, including schoolchildren, were left stranded at bus stops across New Providence this morning after jitney drivers parked their buses and withdrew their services in a move believed to be linked to escalating diesel prices.

The disruption comes on the second day of King Charles III’s official visit to The Bahamas, potentially complicating transportation for residents travelling to work and school during the royal visit.

The sudden withdrawal of services left passengers scrambling to find alternative transportation, with many facing uncertainty over how they would reach their destinations.

The action follows warnings from bus drivers last month that they would withdraw their services over rising diesel prices, which they say have made it increasingly difficult to operate their businesses.

The drivers had agreed to hold off on taking action following a meeting with Transport Minister Leon Lundy, after discussions about steps to address their concerns.

However, the decision to park their buses this morning suggests that tensions over the cost of operating public transportation remain unresolved.

Motorists have also been voicing concerns about high fuel prices, which continue to place pressure on household budgets and increase the cost of transportation.

The withdrawal of services raises fresh concerns about the impact of rising fuel costs on public transportation and the thousands of Bahamians who rely on jitneys to get around New Providence each day.