If you’ve ever ridden a James Bus, chances are you’ve walked past a nondescript white bucket positioned at the front, near the driver. Most of the time, it sits upside down, often with someone perched on it – perhaps a passenger, or even the conductor.

Over the decades, this unassuming bucket has become as essential to Belizean bus travel as a spare tire, jack, or wheel wrench. When the bus was full, it served as an extra seat – an unofficial jump seat. But for James Williams, the founder of James Bus Line, the white bucket held even greater significance.

In the early days of James Bus Line, James did most of the driving himself. Known for his warm personality, generosity, and great conversations, he was beloved by many. Sitting on the white bucket beside him during a journey from Punta Gorda to Belize City was considered a privilege. Back then, ticketing systems were unheard of, but you could call ahead to reserve a seat.

“I’d like two seats – and the white bucket, please!” was a common request.

If the bucket was unoccupied, passengers would sometimes trade a regular seat just to sit there. The person on the white bucket wasn’t just a passenger – they had a job to do:

• Helping James navigate
• Passing him water or food
• Assisting passengers when the conductor was busy collecting fares
• Running errands during quick roadside stops
• And most importantly – the reason the bucket was there in the first place – filling it with water from a nearby river if the radiator ran low

Much has changed since those early days. James Bus Line now has a ticketing system, paved highways, buses that don’t overheat, and a set schedule with no impromptu stops. And sadly, James himself is no longer behind the wheel. But the tradition of the white bucket lives on. Some drivers have upgraded to plastic stools, yet the spirit of the white bucket remains – a reminder of the man who made every journey feel like home.