Bus Drivers Reject Claim Strike Action on Hold

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The message from the Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union is clear: industrial action has not been taken off the table.

At the centre of the dispute is the union’s demand for an increase in the adult bus fare from its current rate to two dollars.

Union officials are disputing the government’s account of recent discussions, rejecting the suggestion that drivers have agreed to hold off on a possible strike.

They were reacting to these comments made by OPM Press Secretary Keishla Adderley on October 15, 2026.

Keishla Adderley – Press Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister

“They, of course, met with him to air some of the grievances they had, and obviously one of the big ones for them is the cost of fuel and the effect that has on their bottom line. They have agreed to present their grievances and concerns in writing to the minister for a future meeting to be announced. But of course, any decisions regarding the cost of fuel will go to any decisions made by the Ministry of Finance. But that is a discussion that is ongoing. They’ve agreed to hold off on any strike action until that meeting takes place.”

But Union Secretary General Corvelle Colebrook is rejecting those claims.

Corvelle Colebrook – Secretary General, Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union

“We are still on standby. We’re still on alert. The press conference coming from the OPM is wrong and it’s false. We are not interested in the government’s stall tactics, and this is their common theme. They do this to every union.”

The union says the proposed fare increase is necessary to help drivers keep up with the rising cost of operating their buses.

Diesel, maintenance and other day-to-day expenses all factor into the cost of keeping public transportation running.

And drivers argue that without additional revenue, their ability to meet those costs continues to come under pressure.

Corvelle Colebrook – Secretary General, Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union

“We cannot operate at this price. Fuel, oil, parts, labour, anything that has to do with the transportation system is at an all-time high.”

Colebrook did not specify exactly when bus drivers would take action, but says they will not back down unless something changes.

Stand-up – In front of the buses

Corvelle Colebrook – Secretary General, Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union

“When you go to a gas station to pump in, you’re paying $7.56 a gallon. You may only be putting in $70 or $60, and that may last you four or five days, or probably a week. That can’t do for a bus that operates at $1.40 to $1.60 per day. That has been cutting into our finances for too long.”

Corvelle Colebrook – Secretary General, Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union

“We love our customers, we love our country, but we have to fight. We have to fight. We cannot continue our distaste.”

For commuters who rely on public buses to get to work, school and other daily commitments, the dispute raises questions about the future of public transportation and whether a strike can be avoided.

For now, the union is standing by its demand for a two-dollar adult fare while rejecting the suggestion that industrial action has been put on hold.