Bonaire receives first bus for planned public transport network

Bonaire received its first bus for a planned public transport network on Wednesday 14 October, according to the Public Entity Bonaire. The island government plans to put the vehicle on a temporary route while it prepares a wider service.

Information provided to the Dutch Parliament says the first bus service is expected to begin by the end of January 2027. Four additional buses are expected in early 2027, allowing Bonaire to expand beyond the initial route.

The Public Entity Bonaire is working with Autobusbedrijf Curaçao, Curaçao's public bus operator, on the new system. A report by Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties said changes in Bonaire's political administration led to adjustments in the project, including the cancellation of an earlier order for buses from Brazil.

Written responses to the Dutch Parliament said the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations allocated US$666,000 in 2024 for public transport development on Bonaire. Since 2025, US$440,000 a year has also been made available, while about US$2.15 million was allocated through the Regio Deal Bonaire.

Information sent to Parliament in early October said a business case had not been finalised and decisions on vehicles, routes, service frequency and other operating arrangements were still being developed.