From an article first published in the Tourism Allied Business Association, August 2005, by kind permission of the author, the late Jim Johnson.
Many islands are getting back to buses as a means of transportation and it should be noted that this does not apply to Nevis. This is because, though we have several excellent taxis on Nevis, it never really got away from buses!
Buses on Nevis for the general public refer to privately owned and operated vans, easily identified by their “H” license plate (Please Note taxis usually have a “T” at the start, rentals are “R” and “P” is private). They are brightly coloured and often have either names such as “Stop & Chat” emblazoned across the front or sayings such as “Don’t Blame Me” written on the back. These are not big vehicles, a large bus can hold 16 people tightly packed!
Since they are not government controlled and Nevisians are rather relaxed, there are no set bus schedules and few designated bus stops, they run when and where they want. They sometimes stop running for Weddings, Church Events, or School Parties. They may also run extra for Cricket Matches (until the match starts, then nothing runs on Nevis)!
As the name “Stop & Chat” would also indicate, buses on Nevis are social. They can be very noisey with talking or music. The driver may make side excursions to pick up fish, deliver vegetables, or check on a sick relative. They will also stop to chat with friends on the side of the road. Buses are fun, but not always fast.
