Transport in Barbados
Encyclopedia
Barbados
has 1600 kilometres (994.2 mi) of public paved roads; some historic, mostly unpaved railroad trail; two active marine ports (Bridgetown Port and Port Saint Charles
), and one airport, the Sir Grantley Adams International Airport
, located in Christ Church.
As in the United Kingdom
, traffic drives on the left, meaning that visitors from countries with right-hand traffic must take special care on Barbados' roads. The adage "keep left" can be used to remain on the correct side of the road.
The ZRs , are privately-owned mini-vans, which are plentiful in Barbados and travel to most points on the island. They are among the most common form of public transport in Barbados. The vans are easily seen, with them generally having a colour-scheme of white with maroon, and they often play loud music or use a musical horn. A black circle on the van carries the number of the route. Routes served are often more scenic than those served by other modes of transport.
Buses and minibuses also run services, and they are found frequently in many parts of Barbados. Buses run seven days of the week, although services are less frequent on Sundays. The yellow minibuses are privately-owned, just like the ZRs.
The usually larger blue buses, are government-operated by the Barbados Transport Board
and charge the same fee as the other services ($1.50 BDS) for adults, free for children in school uniforms and senior citizens, $1.00 for children under 18 years not wearing a school uniform. Unlike the other services, the government buses can't offer change as they use an exact-fare system.
Competition for patrons extends to the bus terminals (sometimes just a parking lot full of buses); it is normal for the 'ZR' bus conductors to attempt to escort you to his vehicle and engage in loud altercations with other drivers and conductors, in competition for your patronage. These altercations, though sometimes dramatic, are less problematic than they usually seem to the unaccustomed.
in the 1800s, primarily for transporting sugar cane across the island to the seaport Bridgetown
, has also long since been removed. Some areas such as Two Mile Hill
in St. Michael or Mile and a Quarter are a reminder of the railway era, but the rail system itself and its infrastructure no longer exists in Barbados. One of the remnants are ground stakes off the east coast of the island where foundations for the rail line were located.
Given that Barbados is the second most densely populated country in the Americas
(behind only Bermuda
), there is little chance that the railway would ever be recreated in Barbados. Any proposals for re-establishing a train mode of transit in Barbados would require either a subway system or an elevated monorail
(likely placing it along the island's highways).
/Cummins
) and Spring Garden Highway, which is part of the annual Grand Kadooment Day
celebrations route.
Driving in Barbados is on the left-hand side of the road, just as in almost every other Commonwealth
countries. The national speed limit
is generally 60 km/h (37 mph) on minor roads and 80 km/h (55 mph) on the highways, however in certain areas the speed limit may be lowered. Lower speed areas will be posted.
Most major traffic junctions consist of 2-lane roundabouts. Vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way. The traffic moves in clockwise direction.
In 2010, an assessment released by the Economist Intelligence Unit
(EIU) of the United Kingdom
, ranked Barbados 6th in the world, and the top spot in the Western Hemisphere
for road network density.
, Greece
, Tunisia
, Estonia
and Georgia
), for actual road fatalities per 100,000 people.
, Saint Michael (Deep Water Harbour), and in Speightstown
, St. Peter (the Port Charles Marina). These are regulated by the Barbados Port Authority
. Large cruise ships dock at the Deep Water Harbour at the southwestern end of the island.
. Laws also protect the coral reefs, and boaters should be careful not to drop anchor outside of areas approved by the government of Barbados in order to protect the corals and possibly other undersea infrastructure that might be present around the island.
Barbados currently no longer has the Schooner vessel that once operated between Speightstown and Bridgetown. However, in recent years, with many heavy traffic problems on the island, there have been calls to revive it.
registry.
. It has paved runways of length in excess of 3,047m.
Barbados
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles. It is in length and as much as in width, amounting to . It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 100 kilometres east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea; therein, it is about east of the islands of Saint...
has 1600 kilometres (994.2 mi) of public paved roads; some historic, mostly unpaved railroad trail; two active marine ports (Bridgetown Port and Port Saint Charles
Port Saint Charles
The Port St. Charles marina is an affluent and upscale luxury marina development situated on the western coast of Barbados. Found within the parish of Saint Peter, the marina is in Heywoods and is in close proximity to Speightstown. The Port St...
), and one airport, the Sir Grantley Adams International Airport
Grantley Adams International Airport
Grantley Adams International Airport , is found in Seawell, Christ Church on the island of Barbados. The former name of the airport was Seawell Airport before being dedicated in honour of the first Premier of Barbados, Sir Grantley Herbert Adams in 1976. The airport's timezone is GMT –4, and is...
, located in Christ Church.
As in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, traffic drives on the left, meaning that visitors from countries with right-hand traffic must take special care on Barbados' roads. The adage "keep left" can be used to remain on the correct side of the road.
Public transport
The Ministry of Transport & Works of Barbados oversees the affairs of the nation's roads, highways, and the public transport system.Bus service
Public transport services in Barbados are operated by buses, mini-buses and by "route-taxis", or "ZRs". Most public transport services require a connection through Bridgetown, although some services run directly to other destinations.The ZRs , are privately-owned mini-vans, which are plentiful in Barbados and travel to most points on the island. They are among the most common form of public transport in Barbados. The vans are easily seen, with them generally having a colour-scheme of white with maroon, and they often play loud music or use a musical horn. A black circle on the van carries the number of the route. Routes served are often more scenic than those served by other modes of transport.
Buses and minibuses also run services, and they are found frequently in many parts of Barbados. Buses run seven days of the week, although services are less frequent on Sundays. The yellow minibuses are privately-owned, just like the ZRs.
The usually larger blue buses, are government-operated by the Barbados Transport Board
Barbados Transport Board
The Barbados Transport Board is the government owned bus transport provider in the country of Barbados. The fare is BD$2.00 per ride to any point on the island for adults, , $1.00 for children under 18 years of age,...
and charge the same fee as the other services ($1.50 BDS) for adults, free for children in school uniforms and senior citizens, $1.00 for children under 18 years not wearing a school uniform. Unlike the other services, the government buses can't offer change as they use an exact-fare system.
Competition for patrons extends to the bus terminals (sometimes just a parking lot full of buses); it is normal for the 'ZR' bus conductors to attempt to escort you to his vehicle and engage in loud altercations with other drivers and conductors, in competition for your patronage. These altercations, though sometimes dramatic, are less problematic than they usually seem to the unaccustomed.
Private cars, taxis, and shuttles
Some hotels also provide visitors with shuttles to points of interest on the island. Hotel shuttles generally leave right outside of the hotel's lobby. The island also has an abundance of taxis for hire. Private taxis are available across Barbados and will generally carry passengers door-to-door but they tend to cost more depending on what the destination is.Railway
The railway system of Barbados implemented by BritainUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in the 1800s, primarily for transporting sugar cane across the island to the seaport Bridgetown
Bridgetown
The city of Bridgetown , metropolitan pop 96,578 , is the capital and largest city of the nation of Barbados. Formerly, the Town of Saint Michael, the Greater Bridgetown area is located within the parish of Saint Michael...
, has also long since been removed. Some areas such as Two Mile Hill
Two Mile Hill, Saint Michael, Barbados
The area named Two Mile Hill, is located two miles away from Bridgetown, in the Parish of Saint Michael. The Two Mile Hill area was historically one of the railway stations on the island of Barbados. The railway was a part of the island's colonial distribution network for the sugar cane industry...
in St. Michael or Mile and a Quarter are a reminder of the railway era, but the rail system itself and its infrastructure no longer exists in Barbados. One of the remnants are ground stakes off the east coast of the island where foundations for the rail line were located.
Given that Barbados is the second most densely populated country in the Americas
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
(behind only Bermuda
Bermuda
Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
), there is little chance that the railway would ever be recreated in Barbados. Any proposals for re-establishing a train mode of transit in Barbados would require either a subway system or an elevated monorail
Monorail
A monorail is a rail-based transportation system based on a single rail, which acts as its sole support and its guideway. The term is also used variously to describe the beam of the system, or the vehicles traveling on such a beam or track...
(likely placing it along the island's highways).
Roadways
Barbados has a very good highway system of main roads radiating from Bridgetown. These are known by numbers 1 to 7, starting with the H1 which heads due north. The numbering continues sequentially in a clockwise direction, thus. Other highways known by name are: the Ermie Bourne Highway, the Ronald Mapp Highway, the A. B. C. Highway (Adams/BarrowErrol Barrow
Errol Walton Barrow, PC, QC was a Caribbean statesman and the first Prime Minister of Barbados. Born into a family of political and civic activists in the parish of Saint Lucy and educated at Harrison College, his sister Dame Nita Barrow also became a social activist, humanitarian leader and later...
/Cummins
Hugh Gordon Cummins
Hugh Gordon Cummins was a Barbadian politician. He served as Premier of Barbados from 17 April 1958 to 8 December 1961 and was a member of the Barbados Labour Party ....
) and Spring Garden Highway, which is part of the annual Grand Kadooment Day
Crop over
Crop Over , is a traditional harvest festival which began in Barbados, having had its early beginnings on the sugar cane plantations during the colonial period. The crop over tradition began in 1688, and featured singing, dancing and accompaniment by bottles filled with water, shak-shak, banjo,...
celebrations route.
Driving in Barbados is on the left-hand side of the road, just as in almost every other Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
countries. The national speed limit
Speed limit
Road speed limits are used in most countries to regulate the speed of road vehicles. Speed limits may define maximum , minimum or no speed limit and are normally indicated using a traffic sign...
is generally 60 km/h (37 mph) on minor roads and 80 km/h (55 mph) on the highways, however in certain areas the speed limit may be lowered. Lower speed areas will be posted.
Most major traffic junctions consist of 2-lane roundabouts. Vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way. The traffic moves in clockwise direction.
In 2010, an assessment released by the Economist Intelligence Unit
Economist Intelligence Unit
The Economist Intelligence Unit is part of the Economist Group.It is a research and advisory company providing country, industry and management analysis worldwide and incorporates the former Business International Corporation, a U.S. company acquired by the parent organization in 1986...
(EIU) of the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, ranked Barbados 6th in the world, and the top spot in the Western Hemisphere
Western Hemisphere
The Western Hemisphere or western hemisphere is mainly used as a geographical term for the half of the Earth that lies west of the Prime Meridian and east of the Antimeridian , the other half being called the Eastern Hemisphere.In this sense, the western hemisphere consists of the western portions...
for road network density.
Car rental
Car rental in Barbados is provided through any of several vehicle rental agencies. Foreign drivers driving in Barbados require a temporary driver's licence in addition to an international licence.Road incidents
In terms of traffic and accidents, the 2010 EIU report found that Barbados had 63.1 vehicles for every 1 km of road on the island. A rank that placed Barbados as 23rd globally for amount of vehicles, by the total surface area of roads. For accident totals, Barbados placed 12th globally for road victims per 100,000 people; and 23rd globally (which was shared with The United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, Tunisia
Tunisia
Tunisia , officially the Tunisian RepublicThe long name of Tunisia in other languages used in the country is: , is the northernmost country in Africa. It is a Maghreb country and is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east. Its area...
, Estonia
Estonia
Estonia , officially the Republic of Estonia , is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia , and to the east by Lake Peipsi and the Russian Federation . Across the Baltic Sea lies...
and Georgia
Georgia (country)
Georgia is a sovereign state in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the southwest by Turkey, to the south by Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan. The capital of...
), for actual road fatalities per 100,000 people.
Ports and harbours
Ports exist in BridgetownBridgetown
The city of Bridgetown , metropolitan pop 96,578 , is the capital and largest city of the nation of Barbados. Formerly, the Town of Saint Michael, the Greater Bridgetown area is located within the parish of Saint Michael...
, Saint Michael (Deep Water Harbour), and in Speightstown
Speightstown
Speightstown , also known as Little Bristol, is the second largest town centre of Barbados. It is situated north of the capital city of Bridgetown, in the northern parish of Saint Peter....
, St. Peter (the Port Charles Marina). These are regulated by the Barbados Port Authority
Barbados Port Authority
The Barbados Port Incorporated is an agency of the government of Barbados which principally regulates shipping into the island, and controls immigration into Barbados in the capital of Bridgetown. Established in 1979 as the Barbados Port Authority it was then set up as a statutory body to plan,...
. Large cruise ships dock at the Deep Water Harbour at the southwestern end of the island.
Boat
Boating to/from or around Barbados requires following all International and local laws. If arriving in Barbados it is important to remember that legally you must enter an approved port of entry, which means stopping by the Harbour-master first at BridgetownBridgetown
The city of Bridgetown , metropolitan pop 96,578 , is the capital and largest city of the nation of Barbados. Formerly, the Town of Saint Michael, the Greater Bridgetown area is located within the parish of Saint Michael...
. Laws also protect the coral reefs, and boaters should be careful not to drop anchor outside of areas approved by the government of Barbados in order to protect the corals and possibly other undersea infrastructure that might be present around the island.
Barbados currently no longer has the Schooner vessel that once operated between Speightstown and Bridgetown. However, in recent years, with many heavy traffic problems on the island, there have been calls to revive it.
Merchant marine
Barbados is a flag of convenienceFlag of convenience
The term flag of convenience describes the business practice of registering a merchant ship in a sovereign state different from that of the ship's owners, and flying that state's civil ensign on the ship. Ships are registered under flags of convenience to reduce operating costs or avoid the...
registry.
Airport
Barbados possesses one airport, the Sir Grantley Adams International AirportGrantley Adams International Airport
Grantley Adams International Airport , is found in Seawell, Christ Church on the island of Barbados. The former name of the airport was Seawell Airport before being dedicated in honour of the first Premier of Barbados, Sir Grantley Herbert Adams in 1976. The airport's timezone is GMT –4, and is...
. It has paved runways of length in excess of 3,047m.
External links
- http://www.mtw.gov.bb/ - Ministry of Transport and Works
- http://www.ta.gov.bb/ - The Transport Authority
- http://www.transportboard.com/ - The Public transport provider of the Barbados Gov't
- http://www.barbadosmaritime.com/ - The Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR)
- Barbados Transportation
- Barbados Ship Registrar, Ukraine
- The Tramways of Barbados: historical survey with map and 16 illustrations