WILLEMSTAD – ABC Bus Company has decided not to repair the air conditioning systems in their bus fleet, despite the remaining funds from the bonus payout to employees. Director John Cijntje of ABC Bus Company explains that out of the 21 buses in the fleet, only eleven had a working air conditioning system, but these are now also out of order. The estimated cost of repairing and completely overhauling an air conditioning system per bus is 8,000 guilders.
The decision not to repair the air conditioning follows the acknowledgment that the fleet is outdated. Most buses were ordered in 2008 and are worn out. Instead, the company focuses on replacing the old fleet with new buses. A request has been submitted to the government for a subsidy to purchase fifteen new buses.
However, this request was submitted late, on October 31, which, according to Minister Charles Cooper, was practically the last day to submit an application for this year.
Member of Parliament Sheldry Osepa has asked whether the planned purchase of the new buses is included in the 2024 budget, which will be discussed at the end of December. Although the purchase was not included in the original 2024 budget, Cooper notes that there are always opportunities to include funding in a supplementary budget during 2024. He also emphasized that parliament can use its 'budget right' to find room in the budget for this purchase.
Osepa has requested to obtain at least three quotes for a minimum of five new buses for the ABC Bus Company before the 2024 budget is discussed. But the minister indicated that it is not that simple, as the bus company must first indicate what the expected costs for the new buses will be.