Trinidad / Local Transport

Travelling in and around the capital at peak times, 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm, can be daunting, and unravelling the complexities of route taxis, maxis, privates and buses just adds to the confusion. Most visitors opt for private taxis, and their expense, especially those associated with the larger business hotels, but travellers to other towns like Chaguanas, San Fernando and Arima and more rural areas can use quick, cheap Passenger Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) buses and benefit from priority routeing.

Maxi taxis holding up to 20 people are privately owned minibuses often with younger drivers, a generally noisy experience with a thumping rap or bass line, and run on regional networks in striped vehicles from the terminus at South Quay (aka City Gate). There are no fixed schedules, so they can be hailed anywhere en route and you can travel long distances very cheaply.

Route taxis tend to be a more sedate, if a sometimes cramped experience, in regular private cars sporting an “H” registration, serving specific routes from designated taxi stand areas which are not readily discernible on some downtown streets but will be pointed out by knowing locals if you look lost. They only depart when fully loaded and someone else is likely to squeeze in when you least expect it. Normally more expensive than maxis, friendly drivers will often do a minor sidetrack to get a passenger nearer home quicker. Private taxis, registered “P”, are not metered so always agree the cost beforehand and be prepared for big city prices. Phone-a-Taxi based in Maraval has the best rates and service.