COMMUNITY BUS SERVICE MAKING A COMEBACK IN THE BVI

The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced plans to re-establish a Community Bus Service in the Territory.

Recognising the need for a community-based public transportation service, Hon. Kye Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works, said that the government, through the Taxi and Livery Commission (TLC), plans to roll out the initiative by the third quarter of 2024.

“The completion of the Road Town Market Square Bus Shelter was the first phase, as a designated space in the picking up and dropping off of persons wishing to be connected to their respective communities,” he said.

The initiative had been dormant following the natural disasters of 2017 and the close of the National Bus Service contract. However, Mr. Jevaughn Parsons, Director of the Taxi and Livery Commission, highlighted the need for public transportation in the Territory and the importance of a designated staging area for the organisation, transfer, and movement of persons within the city.

“On the roll out of the Community Bus Service, it is our hope that the Market Square Bus Stand will be the hub or terminal for persons desirous of being connected to their respective communities, by the Public Transport Operators who are members of the Community Bus Service conglomerate,” said Mr. Parsons.