Well I am glad to hear that things are improving. As a passsenger who rode the pubic busses for two weeks (my father and I) I will have to say that riding the public busses was quite an experience for us!
I can compare the Belize Bus System to perhaps the LYNX Bus System that is in Orlando, Florida. Both are run on regular scheduled routes and are a much needed system of transportation. The LYNX system is not nearly as crowded on its busses, but I never felt safe at any of the bus stops or transfers - the LYNX terminals were also havens for pick-pockets, rapists, beggars, drug dealers, and other persons of criminal intent.
I can honestly say that the people I rode with on the Belize Bus System were some of the nicest people I have ever had an opportunity to meet. Even though the busses were often uncomfortably crowded, no one took unfair advantage of the situation to inappropariately touch or steal anything. I was quite concerned for the small children on the bus who often had no place to sit other than to stand in the center isle, that is until I noticed the custom of allowing the children to sit in one's lap. So I rode with little children on my lap, who smiled and laughed and enjoyed the cookies and candies that I carried in my hand bag (with the parent's permission of course).
The drivers were very courteous to me and my father. The persons who collected the money for the trips were likewise courteous and contientious to count out the change for us. None took advantage of our unfamiliarity with the local currency to charge us too much money. My father learned not to tap that person on the back - he did that to ask a question and the poor guy nearly jumped out of his skin. I suspect they are concerned about being robbed but nothing of the sort ever happened while we were riding.
I think the LYNX Bus Sytem could learn a few lessons from the Belize Bus Sytem. I was never treated with such coutersy on the Orlando Busses.
I am glad to hear that the Belize system is improving. A bankruptcy like that in the States would have been devastating, even crippling, but the Belizeans seem to take everything in stride.