The transport company Cotraipbal announced the temporary suspension of its operations in the department of Colón due to extortion and death threats directed at its drivers, a situation that has generated concern among workers, users, and local authorities.
The decision was adopted as a protective measure for the company’s staff, while the authorities carry out the corresponding investigations to identify those responsible for the intimidation.
The suspension of service affects passengers who daily use the routes between Colón, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, as well as the return journeys that connect the Atlantic region with the country’s main cities.
Company representatives pointed out that drivers have been victims of constant threats, a situation that has hindered the normal development of operations.
As they explained, the decision to suspend the service was made in the last few hours with the goal of protecting the integrity of the workers.
The executives indicated that the intimidation continues even though the company has made payments demanded by groups dedicated to extortion.
We recommend reading
This situation has generated fear among drivers and assistants, who believe that the necessary conditions do not exist to continue providing the service. The company reports economic losses due to extortion.
More Read
According to Cotraipbal representatives, economic losses related to extortion range between 50,000 and 60,000 lempiras daily.
The company maintains that these costs have seriously affected the operability and financial stability of the service.
The suspension also takes about 14 transport units out of circulation, affecting the mobility of hundreds of users who depend on these routes to travel for work, educational, and personal reasons.
The temporary suspension of operations keeps about 30 people out of work, including drivers and assistants.
Transport workers expressed concern about job uncertainty and the economic consequences that the suspension may generate for their families.
At the same time, users have reported difficulties in traveling to other municipalities and cities in the country due to the service interruption. Routes to Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula were suspended.
The transport sector continues to be one of the most affected by extortion crimes in Honduras.
Bus, taxi, and intercity transport companies have reported threats, attacks, and illegal extortion affecting their operations over the last few years.
Business owners maintain that the costs derived from extortion directly impact the sustainability of the service and the safety of the workers.
Furthermore, the threats generate fear among drivers, who in many cases are forced to suspend their activities.
Representatives of Cotraipbal called on the authorities to reinforce security measures and provide protection to transport workers.
The company hopes that the investigations will allow for the identification of those responsible and create conditions that will allow operations to resume.
The executives warned that the prolongation of the suspension could generate greater economic losses and further affect the user population.
Meanwhile, hundreds of passengers remain waiting for the service to be restored in the coming days.
