Approved public bus services will be launched across major routes on Tortola, introducing scheduled transportation between East End, Road Town, West End and Carrot Bay.
The Ministry of Communications and Works, in collaboration with the Taxi and Livery Commission and the Tortola Bus Drivers Association, announced the initiative.
Minister for Communications and Works Kye M. Rymer, Director of the Taxi and Livery Commission Jevaughn Parsons and President of the Tortola Bus Drivers Association Allan Penn outlined details of the service.
The newly approved Tortola Bus Drivers Association will operate the services, with morning routes beginning as early as 4 a.m. and evening services ending between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., depending on the route.
According to the Ministry, buses will depart East End to Road Town every half hour starting at 4 a.m., while services from Carrot Bay to Road Town will begin at 6 a.m. Return routes from Road Town to East End will start at 4:45 a.m., and routes from Road Town to West End, continuing to Carrot Bay, will begin at 5:30 a.m.
Evening services will conclude with the last departure from Road Town to West End and Carrot Bay at 7 p.m., and the final trip from Road Town to East End at 8 p.m.
Officials said an additional route between Cane Garden Bay and Road Town is planned, with details to be announced.
Buses operating under the association will display signage reading “Bus Service” along with route information. Passengers are encouraged to use designated bus stops.
“The Tortola Bus Drivers Association is committed to providing safe, reliable, and clearly identified bus services to meet the needs of our community,” Minister Rymer said. “We thank passengers for using the designated stops and for their continued support as we seek to expand transportation services in the Territory.”
“The Taxi and Livery Commission is pleased with the progress made by the Tortola Bus Drivers Association and remains dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable, and professional transportation services for residents and visitors of the British Virgin Islands,” Mr. Parsons said.
“We strongly encourage all residents and visitors to make full use of the bus service, which offers a safe, reliable and convenient mode of transportation for everyone,” Mr. Penn said.
The Taxi and Livery Commission is responsible for regulating taxi and livery services in the territory, including safety and service standards.
