ZR (bus)
A ZR (pronounced "Zed R",[1] formally called a route taxi) is a type of private taxi-bus system found in Barbados.
The vehicles are small vans, which mainly operate routes between the capital of Bridgetown and other terminals. They derive the name "ZR" from the license-plate code assigned to most route taxis.[citation needed]
ZRs have a reputation for overcrowded vans and loud music,[2] high speeds and abrupt stops,[3] and drivers compete intensely among each other to attract passengers.[1] ZRs and minibuses can usually give change, while the large government-operated buses do not.[3]
Fares
ZRs charge the same fare as for the Barbados Transport Authority buses.
Current fare is BBD $3.50 and is payable in cash after boarding; change can usually be given. US dollars are usually accepted at an exchange rate of USD $1 to BBD $2 but other foreign currencies are not accepted.[3]
Terminals
ZRs have three main terminals:
- Constitution River Terminal Bridgetown (for Christ Church and parts of St Michael)[4]
- Cheapside Terminal Bridgetown (for Saint James and parts of Saint Michael and Saint Thomas)[5]
- Speightstown Terminal Speightstown (for St. Lucy and St. Peter)[6]
ZRs share terminals and some routes with Minibuses, another type of private bus in Barbados.[7]
Routes
ZR routes are as listed by the Barbados Transport Authority[8]
- 1 - Speightstown Terminal Speightstown and Six Mens, St. Peter - Crab Hill, St. Lucy
- 2 - Speightstown Terminal Speightstown, Mile & a Quarter and Indian Ground - Boscobelle, St. Peter
- 3 - Cheapside Terminal Cheapside, Eagle Hall and Black Rock, St. Michael and Wanstead, St. James - Redman's Village, St. Thomas
- 3D - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive, St. Michael, Oistins and Parish Land - Airport, Seawell, Christ Church
- 3W - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive and Jackmans, St. Michael and Proutes, St. Thomas - Sugar Hill and Airy Hill, St. Joseph
- 3Y - Cheapside Terminal Cheapside, Eagle Hall and Warrens - Jackson, St. Michael
- 4 - Cheapside Terminal Cheapside - Deacons & Grazettes, St. Michael
- 5 - Cheapside Terminal Cheapside, Bank Hall, Bush Hall, National Stadium and Green Hill - Eden Lodge, St. Michael
- 6 - Constitution River Terminal and Station Hill - Bush Hall, St. Michael
- 7 - Constitution River Terminal and Fairfield Road - Ivy & Howells, St. Michael
- 8 - Constitution River Terminal and Culloden Road - Britton's Hill and Forde's Road, St. Michael/Christ Church
- 9 - Constitution River Terminal and Beckles Road, St. Michael, via Darrells Road - Rendezvous Gardens, Christ Church
- 9F - Speightstown Terminal Speightstown, St. Peter, Holetown, St. James, Eagle Hall and Garrison, St. Michael to Oistins Depot, Oistins, Christ Church
- 10 - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive, St. Michael - Silver Hill, Gall Hill and Newton, Christ Church
- 11 - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive, St. Michael, - Oistins and Silver Sands, Christ Church
- 12 - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive, St. Michael and Bournes Village - Market Hill, St. George
- 13 - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive, St. Michael and Charles Rowe Bridge and Ellerton - Greens & St. Judes, St. George
- 15 - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive and Hothersal Turning, St. Michael - Flat Rock, St. George
- 19 - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive and Government Hill, St. Michael - Dash Valley, St. George
- 21 - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive, Halls Road, Hothersal Turning and Market Hill - Horse Hill, St. Joseph
- 43 - Cheapside Terminal Cheapside, Eagle Hall, Green Hill and Warrens, St. Michael - Redman's Village and Arch Hall, St. Thomas and Lancaster, Orange Hill, Waterhall and Rock Dundo, St. James
- 61 - Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive and Bishop's Court Hill - Pinelands & Wildey, St. Michael
- 88 - Cheapside Terminal and Spooner's Hill, St. Michael - Holders Hill St. James
See also
References
- ^ a b Whiting, Keith (2012-12-01). Barbados. Hunter Publishing, Inc. pp. 411–. ISBN 978-1-58843-652-8.
- ^ "Barbados Public Transport". Axses Systems Caribbean Inc. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ a b c "Vehicle and Transport Guide". Barbados Digital Nomads. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
- ^ "Constitution River Terminal". Barbados Transport Authority. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
- ^ "Cheapside Terminal". Barbados Transport Authority. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
- ^ "Speightstown Terminal". Barbados Transport Authority. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
- ^ "Minibus (B) Routes & Schedules". Barbados Transport Board. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
- ^ "Route Taxis". Barbados Transport Authority. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
External links
- PSV Routes as at March 2015, Transport Authority of Barbados.
- Beep Bus - interactive map of Barbados bus routes (MB, ZR & TD)