With a debt of 19 million florins to the government
According to Parliament Member John Hart
Parliament Member John Hart has expressed concern about the state of public transportation in Aruba. According to statements from Minister Dowers, there are indications within Arubus that several issues need to be addressed due to past mismanagement by former leadership.
“One of the major challenges we face in our public transportation system is Arubus, primarily its precarious financial situation,” stated MP Hart. According to available information, Arubus owes the government 19 million florins.
Hart emphasized that public transportation must be safe, accessible, and efficient for everyone — both residents and tourists. However, to promote and ensure this goal, it is necessary to review existing laws, address the management of the relevant departments, and tackle the financial issues.
It is a fact that Arubus’s financial situation is precarious. MP Hart stated that the government stands at a crossroads: either continue with ‘business as usual’ or take action to solve the problems left behind by the previous administration. The precarious state of Arubus has been ongoing for many years.
At the same time, discussions have been ongoing for quite some time with Arubus employees regarding improvements to their collective labor agreement (CAO) and working conditions. It is regrettable that these issues were not resolved in the past. It should also be noted that several existing bus stops are in poor condition and that more bus stops are needed.
MP Hart will send a letter to Minister Dowers requesting that he appear before the Parliament of Aruba to provide clarity regarding the financial situation of Arubus, so that potential solutions for public transportation in Aruba can be discussed.
Press Release: AVP