We know everyone could use a little help on the island when it comes to finding out what's available and some key services and vendors available to the families of RSO. Checkout below some of our most frequently used resources on the island at Coverley.
For some, especially companions living off-campus and and/or with kids, it is less practical to use RUSM buses and public transportation. Instead, they choose to instead use rental cars either short-term or long-term. There are multiple rental car companies on the island that can be used on a short-term basis and many offer delivery and pickup of the rental car from your desired location. Many companions opt for a long-term rental or lease from rental car companies and sometimes multiple families will share a vehicle. Each company varies in vehicle availability, rates, and services. Some rental car companies take care of maintenance, insurance, and regular cleaning while others do not, but may have lower rates. Rental cars always have an H on the license plate (indicating Car for Hire); however, leased cars may not have the H and instead begin with the letter that corresponds to the appropriate parish. Here is a small list of car rental companies in or around Coverley:
- ZipperCar Rental - 246-261-9388
- AutoRite Car Rentals - 246-242-9813
- Drive Time Rentals - 246-250-875
- EZ Car Rental - 246-831-1061
Rental Cars/Leases
Taxis are another form of transportation in Barbados and there are many taxi drivers available. Many taxi drivers are known for taking advantage of non-locals by charging to high of fare or driving slowly to increase their earnings. However, there are a handful of reputable taxi drivers used by current students and companions who do not over charge. You can contact the current students and companions for recommendations. Additionally, taxis from the airport use a standard rate that is determined prior to your ride at a kiosk in front of the airport so they offer a fair rate as well.
Island Taxi Service
There are two primary forms of public transportation in Barbados: the large Transport Board buses and the smaller ZR buses (locally pronounced zed-arr). The large Transport Board buses are similar to the public buses found in the United States, except many of the buses appear older. These buses are often blue with large yellow horizontal stripe on the side and BT on the license plate. As of Fall 2022, the bus fare was $3.50 BBD ($1.75 USD), which does not transfer between routes. Depending on the bus route, individuals must either pay with exact cash into a drop box, while on other routes there is a person who collects fares after the bus starts moving. The Transport Board also offers Travel Smart tickets which permits an individual to prepay for a certain number of bus trips at a discounted rate (i.e., 28 trips for $84 BBD ($42 USD)). As of Fall 2019, the Travel Smart tickets can be purchased in person at the larger Transport Board bus terminals in Bridgetown (not at the Oistins sub-terminal). In addition to their website, the Transport Board - Barbados Facebook page provides current helpful information regarding the buses. The app, Moovit, is also helpful in navigating the bus routes around the island. ZR buses are an alternate form of public transportation. These buses are actually large white vans with a horizonal maroon stripe along the side and ZR on the license plate. Like the larger buses, the fare on ZR buses is also $3.50 and they share the same routes as the larger buses; however, they do have some advantages. ZR buses are known for coming more frequently and traveling faster than the larger buses. That being said, ZR buses are also known for filling their passenger capacity to the maximum; therefore, they can be a bit crowded at times. BeepBus is another app that is helpful for locating ZR buses en route.
ZR Buses
RUSM has buses that transport students between Coverley and campus. Occasionally these buses also take students to other locations on the weekends, such as grocery stores like Popular Discounts. With regards to companions using the buses, there have been multiple policy changes since RUSM arrived in Barbados. As of Fall 2022, student companions have to have a companion pass to ride the RUSM buses. To get a companion pass, stop by the security office at the square in Coverley. They will give you a form to fill out. If you don't reside in RUSM housing, there is a $500 per semester fee. Similar to the US, you will need to register and insure the vehicle for the duration of ownership. Registering a vehicle is done through the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA). Click HERE for locations. The following documents must be presented to BRA personnel when registering a vehicle (new or used):
- Weight certificate
- Letter of sale
- Insurance Certificate
- Completed registration form (forms available from the payment section at all BRA locations)
- Valid Barbados Driving Permit
- Blackman Insurance Agent - 246-230-0917
- Sagicor General Insurance - 246-431-2800
- Sun General Insurance - 246-621-7271
RUSM Buses
Instead of renting, many companions who want the flexibility of having their own vehicle choose to purchase a vehicle on the island. Often purchasing a vehicle ends up costing less than renting and the vehicle can be sold prior to leaving the island. Similar to the US, you will need to register and insure the vehicle for the duration of ownership. Registering a vehicle is done through the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA). Click HERE for locations. The following documents must be presented to BRA personnel when registering a vehicle (new or used):
- Weight certificate
- Letter of sale
- Insurance Certificate
- Completed registration form (forms available from the payment section at all BRA locations)
- Valid Barbados Driving Permit
- Blackman Insurance Agent - 246-230-0917
- Sagicor General Insurance - 246-431-2800
- Sun General Insurance - 246-621-7271
Purchase a Vehicle
Questions about Fuel
Fuel for vehicles is very expensive in Barbados as compared to the United States. Those filling up on a tank of gas can expect to pay around $3 BBD per liter (around $5-6 USD per gallon). The gas station at the airport is typically even more expensive. Barbados does not have self-service gas stations and only some gas stations are open 24-hours. Gas stations have an attendant that fuels the vehicle based on the amount you request and they take your payment (typically card or cash). Note that you are not expected to tip gas station attendants.
Questions about Driving Permits
Depending on what transportation option you choose, if you plan to drive a vehicle you will need a visitor's driving permit. These are relatively low cost ($10 BBD/$5 USD for two months; $100 BBD/$50 USD for one year as of Fall 2019) and are easily obtained provided you have a current valid driver's license from your home country. Authorized rental car companies can issue driving permits otherwise they can also be obtained by the Barbados Licensing Authority.
Other Notes of Interest
In Barbados, vehicles are driven on the left side of the road. Additionally, compared to many parts of the United States, most of the roads are very narrow (except for the major highways). Speed limits typically range from 40-80 km/hr (25-50 mph), but not all roads are marked. Generally speaking, about 60 km/hr (approximately 35 mph) is a good rule of thumb for roads that are not marked with a speed limit, provided that speed feels safe (i.e., it is advisable to drive at lower speeds for steep/narrow/twisting roads). Drivers in Barbados are generally very friendly and will often stop in the middle of the road to allow people to cross the street or let other vehicles in. Drivers also often communicate to others - both to let them in and to say thank you - via friendly honks, flashing headlight brights, and hand waves.