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Approved public bus services commences in RT

-services will operate across key routes in Tortola
The newly approved Tortola Bus Drivers Association is already functional and serving the community.Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
 The Ministry of Communications and Works, in collaboration with the Taxi and Livery Commission and the Tortola Bus Drivers Association, has announced the launch of approved public bus services operating across key routes on Tortola. Photo: Internet Source
The Ministry of Communications and Works, in collaboration with the Taxi and Livery Commission and the Tortola Bus Drivers Association, has announced the launch of approved public bus services operating across key routes on Tortola. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Ministry of Communications and Works, in collaboration with the Taxi and Livery Commission and the Tortola Bus Drivers Association, has announced the launch of approved public bus services operating across key routes on Tortola.

New schedule 

The newly approved Tortola Bus Drivers Association is already functional and serving the community. The scheduled services include the following:

Morning departures

  • East End to Road Town — Every half hour on the hour, beginning at 4:00 a.m.
  • Carrot Bay to Road Town — Every half hour on the hour, beginning at 6:00 a.m.
  • Road Town to East End — Every half hour on the hour, beginning at 4:45 a.m.
  • Road Town to West End, continuing to Carrot Bay — Every half hour on the hour, beginning at 5:30 a.m.

Evening service hours (end of service)

  • Road Town to West End, continuing to Carrot Bay — last service at 7:00 p.m.
  • Road Town to East End — last service at 8:00 p.m.

Additional route announced 

The Tortola Bus Drivers Association also announced an upcoming additional route between Cane Garden Bay and Road Town (return service). According to a press statement, the details and start dates are to be announced once finalised. 

It also added that buses affiliated with the Tortola Bus Drivers Association will display a clear sign on the front indicating 'Bus Service', along with the route details. Passengers are encouraged to use designated bus stops for safety and efficient boarding. 

Reliable access to transportation

Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer (R5) said that he’s pleased that access to public transportation is increasing. “The Tortola Bus Drivers Association is committed to providing safe, reliable, and clearly identified bus services to meet the needs of our community. We thank passengers for using the designated stops and for their continued support as we seek to expand transportation services in the Territory.” 

Director of the Taxi and Livery Commission, Mr Jevaughn Parsons, also expressed pleasure in the newly operating bus route system, stating, “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. We look forward to continuing the expansion of transportation services to better meet the needs of our growing community."

President of the Tortola Bus Driver Association, Mr Allan Penn, was delighted that the Government had taken the initiative to implement this important project, as it represents a significant step forward in improving public mobility and accessibility.

He 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.”

Penn assured the public that the Tortola Bus Driver Association members are fully committed to supporting this initiative, adding, "Together, we will do our utmost to deliver exceptional service, ensuring that every passenger experiences comfort, efficiency, and professionalism at the highest standard."

24 Responses to “Approved public bus services commences in RT”

  • Hmmmmm (01/04/2026, 10:01) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    What are the fees
    • Hmmm!!! (01/04/2026, 16:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      You would think they would put the fees for each route in this news bulletin. Maybe they will give more details later...
  • Yay! (01/04/2026, 10:02) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    As a non-driver, this is welcome and fantastic news!
  • Real Talk 284 (01/04/2026, 10:47) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a really positive and practical step forward for transportation in Tortola. Having structured, scheduled bus services especially with early morning starts like 4:00 a.m., shows a serious effort to support workers, students, and anyone who relies on public transit daily.

    The involvement of the Tortola Bus Drivers Association adds credibility, and the clear route system between key areas like East End, Road Town, and West End should make commuting more predictable and less stressful. The introduction of visible “Bus Service” signage is also a simple but important move for safety and clarity.

    It’s especially encouraging to see collaboration between the government and transport bodies like the Taxi and Livery Commission, which suggests this isn’t just a short-term rollout but part of a broader plan to improve mobility across the territory.

    If the upcoming Cane Garden Bay route is implemented successfully, this could significantly boost accessibility for both residents and tourists. The key now will be consistency, adherence to schedules, and maintaining high service standards.

    Overall, this feels like a meaningful upgrade that could make everyday life easier and more connected across the island.
  • Just wondering... (01/04/2026, 10:52) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    If there are plans to return with the 'Park and Ride' initiative in Road Town. That was really nice and useful when 2 routes were available!
  • TRUTH TELLER (01/04/2026, 11:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    As usual, most taxi operators are liar. That have offered a time time scheduled that they will be keep. When the tourist season is hot there advertised scheduled will not be honored because of greedy-mindedness mindset, as do the majority of people are both here in the B.V.I and and everywhere.

    Opps!, they advertised a time scheduled, but shhhh, shhhh, shhhh on the tariff prices. However, to be fair, to taxi operators, they need to make a living profit too on their investment.
  • Welcome news (01/04/2026, 12:27) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    How do we identify these buses?
  • one eye (01/04/2026, 12:49) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    We now come just like the rest of the islands
  • Wonderful News (01/04/2026, 12:59) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    All involved THANK YOU.

    ST, THOMAS Leaders take note. Since 2017 there were to be more buses and better service. Government Official, we still only have a bus every 2 hours and no City Buses at all. Get out of your offices and drive around and see the elderly walking with sticks and bags. You cannot even call them for an update. They are RUDE and Belligerent.
  • we dont exist (01/04/2026, 13:15) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    What about Cane Garden Bay? What about Belle V Maybe going Carrot Bay they can come through Ballast Bay etc. Going East End they can also come through Belle V. Maybe going into town from East End they van give over belle vie into Johnson Ghut and the same for people living in Cane Garden Bay they can go Road Town, West End, over to Carrot Bay, Ballast Bay. This buses should serve remote areas like Ballast Bay, Cane Farden Bay, Long Trench not places like West End and East End where it is so easy to catch a ride and private bus companies are already servicing.
  • small man (01/04/2026, 15:28) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a good initiative , especially for the small man who don’t have a ride of their own .

    Good move by the vip govt and kye rymer . Can you give info on the fees as well. Thanks
  • Great! (01/04/2026, 15:37) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is the fare going to be $2 like our St Thomas neighbour's ir are these bkackmarket BVI taxi men going to charge their usual exorbitant prices?
  • Marla (01/04/2026, 16:11) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is an awesome initiative! Bravo, bravo bravo!
  • annudda2cents (01/04/2026, 16:28) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    if only there was a 24 hour bus service around the island of Tortola. even if you have to charge the same rate regardless of distance, it would help a lot of persons that have to get to work for graveyard shift, and it would certainly get rid of the many gypsy taxis operating around the place. speaking of which, when is the gypsy taxi situation going to be addressed?
  • Blind Man (01/04/2026, 16:47) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    No price, already get them friends or family buses to be in the rotation to be paid for by government to be driving with empty buses or make their own rules as the go with no consequence.

    Advertised for government jobs pertaining to this and already hired them friends/family they had lined up rather than qualified individuals with experience.
  • SK (01/04/2026, 18:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great to hear the government trying to providing a service that is in line with government functions. Start small and expand. This could be a huge help to all the folks just trying to get by, go to work, school, town for some sweet bread. Good luck and hope it works out for the best for folks in need.
  • Wellsah (01/04/2026, 19:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    look thing, well sah
  • Stops… (01/04/2026, 20:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Key data needed - what are the bus stop locations, when does the service begin and also what are prices? Nice 8 itiative but important info missing!!!
  • Me (02/04/2026, 00:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What are the fares?
  • good (02/04/2026, 05:23) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Everyone does not need a car.
  • ausar (02/04/2026, 06:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Missing details:

    Scheduled fees @ each point of departure..
    Points of pickups/Departures @ bus stop areas listed?

  • good start (02/04/2026, 11:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a positive move and a good start. Next, increase the frequency so there is a bus every 10-15 minutes, 7 busses on a circuit, and expand the routes too on the same basis. This can make a big difference to everyone’s lives
  • Great Idea (03/04/2026, 06:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    THIS SHOULD LIMIT THE NUISANCES CATCHING RIDE EVERYDAY GOIN AND COMING.
    SOME STAND THERE LIKE FOOLS NOT ASKING FOR A RIDE AND EXPECT PERSONS TO STOP FOR THEM.
    I PASSED THEM STRAIGHT. WHETHER PERSONS STOP OR NOT, IT’S YOUR JOB TO ASK.
    U ALL AHEAD OF THE GAME CUZ U ALL DIDNT HAVE TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE, HAVE TO PAY INSURANCE AND LICENSES, ALONG WITH HAVING TO PAY FOR REPAIRS AND TIRES.
    LET THE GOVERNMENT MAKE SOME MONEY OFF OF U ALL NOW.
    IT’S A VERY GOOD IDEA TO BRING THESE BUSES FOR U ALL DISGUSTING, PAIN IN THE ASS FROM HARASSING DRIVERS, ESPECIALLY ME.


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