Tortola Launches Newly Approved Scheduled Bus Services
The Ministry of Communications and Works, through the Taxi and Livery Commission (TLC), has approved and announced the start of scheduled public bus services across key Tortola routes, operated by the newly approved Tortola Bus Drivers Association. The association is already running half-hourly services on several routes; an additional Cane Garden Bay–Road Town return route will be announced once final arrangements are finalised, according to a government press release.
The Ministry of Communications and Works, through the Taxi and Livery Commission (TLC), has announced the commencement of approved public bus services operating across key routes on Tortola. The announcement, published by the Department of Information and Public Relations, says the Tortola Bus Drivers Association has been newly approved by the Ministry and is already functioning and serving the community.
The association will operate scheduled half-hourly services on the following routes: 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.; and Road Town to West End, continuing to Carrot Bay — every half hour on the hour, beginning at 5:30 a.m.
Evening end-of-service times are listed as: Road Town to West End, continuing to Carrot Bay — last service at 7:00 p.m.; and Road Town to East End — last service at 8:00 p.m. An additional return route between Cane Garden Bay and Road Town is planned and will be announced once final arrangements are finalised, the release adds.
The Ministry and the TLC say details and the start date for that route will be provided in a follow-up notice. Buses affiliated with the Tortola Bus Drivers Association will be clearly identified with a front sign reading "Bus Service" together with the route, and passengers are encouraged to use designated bus stops to ensure safety and efficient boarding and disembarking.
The scheduled, predictable timetables are aimed at improving commute reliability for shift workers, students and those travelling into Road Town for appointments, shopping or work. Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye M. Rymer welcomed the development and said the association is committed to providing safe, reliable and clearly identified services to meet community needs, according to the government statement.
Director of the Taxi and Livery Commission Jevaughn Parsons said the Commission is pleased with the progress and remains dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable and professional transportation services for residents and visitors of the British Virgin Islands. Allan Penn, President of the Tortola Bus Drivers Association, expressed his support for the initiative and urged residents and visitors to make full use of the service, saying the members are committed to delivering comfort, efficiency and professionalism.
The Taxi and Livery Commission is the statutory regulator overseeing taxi and livery services in the British Virgin Islands; the Ministry says this expansion aligns with its goal to improve public infrastructure and ensure reliable, affordable utilities. For more information or updates contact the Taxi and Livery Commission at 468-4090 or email tlc@bvitaxiandlivery.org.
The Department of Information and Public Relations listed Paul Bridgewater as the Information Officer (telephone: 468-2747, email: pbridgewater@gov.vg) for press enquiries; for international media enquiries the release gives BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. The government also encourages use of its one-stop shop for services — call (284) 468-3701 or WhatsApp 1(284) 468-9760 for inquiries and bookings.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the new service as operations continue to expand across the Territory.
Primary source: BVI Government