Barbados / Local Transport

The bus system in Barbados is a fairly good one and the Government’s Transport Board fleet of blue buses (BM licence plate) reaches every corner throughout the island on a regular basis. You will need exact change for the Transport Board buses and they stop only at official bus stops, which are marked either “To City” or “Out of City”  in a red-and-white circle. As the buses do not stop automatically, you must put out your hand in order to stop them. The destination is displayed over the front windscreen. They also operate a scenic tour every Sunday, departing out of Independence Square at 2pm. The route varies each week and the trip costs Bds$20 adults/Bds$12 children.

The Government service is supplemented by privately-operated mini-buses (B licence plate) that are painted yellow with a blue stripe down the side, and route taxis (ZR licence) which are white with a burgundy stripe. These buses do give change, and they also play local music (somewhat loud at times) and can be hailed anywhere on route. Destinations are usually on a sign placed in the bottom left-hand corner of the windscreen, and routes normally painted on the sides of the buses. It should be noted that ZR vans are an adventure as well as a mode of transport. They tend to stop at the drop of a hat and travel at speeds which are not for the faint- hearted. But then they’ll go out of their way to drop a granny with her shopping outside her house. Perhaps avoid travelling at peak times when buses are packed to the limit.

The fare to any destination is Bds$2.00 one-way. Main bus terminals for the Transport Board buses are in Bridgetown - Lower Green for the north and west and Fairchild Street for southbound. Speightstown also has a large terminal. The main terminals for the privately-owned mini-buses and route taxis in Bridgetown are at Cheapside (Lower Broad Street) and the River Road Stand.

Depending on the routes, during the week buses can operate from as early as 5.30am to as late as 12.30pm.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

For more information on the Government Transport Service, including their Sunday Scenic Tour, t 310 3500 or 310 3672/73 www.transportboard.com