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Bermuda's getting around options for visitors

Renting or driving local automobiles is not allowed but other ways are good

By Keith Archibald Forbes (see About Us) at e-mail exclusively for Bermuda Online

To refer to this file use "bermuda-online.org/getround" as your Subject

Visitors are not allowed by the Bermuda Government to rent automobiles or operate any other kind of four or more wheeled vehicle on Bermuda's roads, or bring their own motorized 2-wheel vehicles - not even for the handicapped or disabled. Why not? Your safety, on unfamiliar, often narrow, winding, sharply twisting roads, is cited. Another is Bermuda's very small physical size - less than 21 miles in total land area and sixth largest population per square mile in the world, higher than in Bangladesh and Bahrain and exceeded only by Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Macao, Monaco, Singapore and Vatican City (all of which do have rented cars available for visitors).  Nor are visitors, even when they have driving licenses issued by their home state or province or country, allowed to drive any relative's cars in Bermuda. Foreign drivers licenses are not legal in Bermuda.

Bermuda has by far more vehicles per square mile than anywhere else in the world - all of which must be insured for at least 3rd Party by a Bermudian insurance company licensed and registered to offer insurance business.

A free print guide helps Bermuda's visitors find their way around. It includes maps of the City of Hamilton, Royal Naval Dockyard, Town of St. George and more. It has stops for the services shown below, including bus and ferry stops, gas stations and where to park. Copies are available from Visitors Service Bureaus.

Summary of main transport services and how they are used

In order of preference

Visitor transportation safety ratings

2012 survey on visitors' attitudes

Not official, taken by the US-based Bureau of International Economic Development Inc. in May 2011

Opinions varied hugely. In 1, air passengers especially say Bermuda should allow what other islands do. Re 2, it seems islands in the Caribbean and Hawaii, parts of Europe and other countries offer small 2-4 seater drive-yourself 4-wheeled alternatives - some are micro cars, 4 feet wide, 8 feet long -  not available here because they have been rejected for use by the Ministry of Transport. 

Road Traffic generally

If you are going to be on a moped or scooter, or using a bus or taxi, be sure to read the section on Road Traffic in Bermuda Road Transport for Locals.

Accidents

In every year there are thousands of road traffic accidents and numerous road fatalities in Bermuda's 21 square miles and 69,400 people. This is a trend that is alarming and starting to affect almost every local family and many visitors.  Riding mopeds and scooters are the most common form of injury to locals and visitors by a very wide margin.

When involved in any kind of accident involving injury to a person or damage to a vehicle, call the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) at 911. This is particularly important because insurance companies will not entertain claims without a police report.  To do so, it is recommended all drivers have a cell phone available. Insurance companies will not honor claims unless there is a Police report. Involved parties should always exchange names, addresses, home and business phone numbers and insurance companies. If you decide to pay for any damage you have caused without calling the Police, have an independent witness to verify the transaction to prevent fraud. Keep your most important ID papers with you. Expect the Police to tell you, if the other driver does not, that the latter is licensed and insured. If not, object and decline to pay any damage yourself or via your insurance company.

The Bermuda Government collects money from services provided by the BPS, which processes more than 1,000 requests for traffic accident reports every year. From April 1, 2011 the new fee for a traffic report is $100. If the BPS does not find the necessary information on the traffic accident it will refund half of the fee. The fee to interview a police officer and supply of evidence for civil proceedings has increased to $100.

The new charges increase the cost for insurers but it should be noted a traffic accident report is only required in either serious or contentious accidents or to settle claims submitted to insurance companies. 

Airport limo

Not a super-long, USA-style service but via 8-12 passenger vans. They must be examined, passed and re-licensed annually by the Bermuda transport authority (Transport Control Board), and insured by a Bermudian insurance company. They carry passengers (except the disabled in wheelchairs) to where the buses don't go, by prior arrangement before arriving, only, to specific places. By arrangement, return journeys to the airport from specific publicly listed and licensed places to stay can also be booked. Public pick-up services are not allowed. Some taxi services also provide this service, using larger taxis, by private arrangement.

Auxiliary cycles (mopeds or scooters)

Auxiliary cycles - rented mopeds or scooters - on the hugely busy roads are not recommended for anyone who has not driven them before habitually on the left hand side of the road. Auxiliary cycles for tourists - so called because they are limited to 50 cc (cubic capacity) in size (but unlike 30 cc models not available for good reason in Bermuda) - are powerful enough to go up Bermuda's many hills. They must be examined, passed and re-licensed annually by the Bermuda transport authority (Transport Control Board), and insured by a Bermudian insurance company. Mopeds and scooters can be so dangerous to those not accustomed to them that some cruise ships disclaim all responsibility and warn their passengers accordingly. Mopeds have larger wheels than scooters and are safer. The minimum age to ride one is 16, and proof of identification and age may be required. Electric starting vehicles are advised, even though they may be more expensive than kick start models. They carry one or two persons. No licenses are required by visitors but all rentals are entirely at your own risk. By a very wide margin visitors who use rented mopeds or scooters and are not used to them incur the most common form if injuries to visitors while in Bermuda. All who come from the USA, Canada, Europe and other places will find it very confusing to drive in Bermuda on the left side - not the right - of the highway. With all the turn signs on the "wrong" side also. If you are not completely used to such vehicles back home in such conditions, most journeys on a scooter or moped in Bermuda may give you more stress or anxiety than pleasure. 

But for those who decide to rent them anyway, note the following:

• Make sure you first have adequate travel and accident/medical insurance covering yourself. If you don't buy it before you leave home your vacation or visit could be spoilt. Tourists and visitors won't have any Bermuda-issued health or travel or accident/medical insurance. It is not sold where you rent a bike. Bermuda hospitals won't pay for your hospital or doctors' visit in the same way that American hospitals don't. Don't invalidate your insurance by not wearing a helmet or not fastening it properly.
• At where you rent a bike, the  vehicle insurance supplied - on a compulsory, not voluntary basis - is to cover any third party person or property involved in an accident or injury, not you. 
• Safety helmets - specifically those approved for use in Bermuda - are required for each driver and passenger. Ask for the safest type.
• Rental fees usually include your use of a lock and helmet for each passenger. Be sure to use the lock if provided, as moped and scooter thefts are rampant.
• Wear sensible clothing, in other words pants, not shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, not a short-sleeved one. Why? Because if you have an accident and fall off your bike, your knees, limbs and hands will hit the road and you could be badly bruised or cut or worse.
• You must rent one, you cannot bring your own on a visit.
• Never allow an infant or child under 16 to ride in front or back. 
• If you damage someone's property, refuse to pay but let the rental company know immediately.
• Know how and when to refuel. Make sure you are told about the very high gasoline price of well over US$ 8.00 per per gallon. Some visitors think gasoline is cheap in Bermuda because they don't realize how small gas tanks are on scooters and mopeds and when prices are mentioned, tourists think it is gallons. It is not, it is in liters - about 0.25% of a gallon. 

It is against the law:

•  to wear an improperly fastened or not locally approved helmet, yet many do and are injured. Always return the helmets when returning the vehicle.
• to operate a scooter or moped if you are over the legal limit and drunk. The Selective Driving Enforcement Program is a methodology to stop, book and indict drunk or drug impaired local and visiting drivers, people who overtake dangerously by weaving in and out of rush hour traffic, speeders, not yielding to traffic on the other side of the road, backing up without looking, those without or  with improperly fastened helmets and those with faulty vehicle lights. 

If you are not used to the British way of driving on the left side of the road mentioned earlier, remember to

• Drive on the left and continue on the left when you turn.
• Obey the speed limit of 35 KM per hour (22 mph). Or at least don't go any slower than other traffic going your way. Most visitors go too slowly for locals and are passed routinely, often dangerously. It makes things worse when you are with a spouse or friend or partner and try to go both too slow and two abreast. Those who do not obey the speed limit should know there are speed cameras in operation. If you go more than 50 KM an hour, you run the risk of being stopped by Police and given a ticket, payable by you or the owner of the vehicle.
• Overtake on the right - never the left - and return to the left-hand lane after overtaking.
• Unlike crazy locals who do so illegally, never try, on a scooter or moped, to overtake slowed-down or backed-up rush-hour traffic
• Turn left at roundabouts and always give way to traffic on the right. This means stopping or slowing down because such traffic always has preference in the right of way.
• If you are involved in an accident, call the police. 
• If you see an accident of any vehicle, immediately contact police and if necessary ambulance by phone at 911. Do not move accident victims. Get names and addresses of those involved and witnesses. This is the law.
• Do not use cell phones while driving.
• Give way to Police cars, fire engines and ambulances sounding alarms.
• Always use headlights in poor weather and at night.
• Traffic lights are red (stop); amber (stop); green go, if safe to proceed. Red signals do not allow you to proceed left or right if the road is clear, wait for lights to turn green.
• Never overtake where the road has two lines, only when the line nearest you is dotted and there is no traffic coming towards you, providing you return to your own lane before the line becomes solid again
• Be very careful of crosswalks (pedestrian crossings to those from the UK), where pedestrians have the right of way. They are painted in a zebra pattern. Once pedestrians have stepped out on them, all vehicles must stop to let them pass. If you fail to stop and are seen by Police, you will be prosecuted.
• Do not park, not even for a moment, at any bus stops on or off the road; or anywhere there is a yellow line in the middle of the road. So many tourists do. It infuriates bus drivers who cannot park in bus stops and persons lined up behind them on Bermuda's very narrow roads.
• Unless you are disabled yourself and carry a sign proving you are so and personally have the proper permit, do NOT park at any Handicapped or Disabled Parking space, not even for a moment. Local disabled people are very vocal and succinct about this, visitor or not. Visitors especially know or should know how tough their own laws are back home about parking illegally in a disabled-only parking area and abusing the system locally will get you some extreme unpleasantness.
• For your own protection, don't leave for a moment anything valuable like credit cards, hand bags, jewelry, money, passports, watches, wallets, etc. unattended while you are on or off the machine. Also ensure you do not ride with your hand bag or shopping not locked in your machine's basket while you are in transit. Know that even locked compartments on mopeds are not safe from local thieves so make sure you always take your wallet, credit cards and other valuables with you instead of leaving them unattended, even in a locked compartment. 

• Local roads often have very heavy traffic - most travel agents overseas will not tell you that Bermuda has more cars and motor vehicles per square mile than anywhere else in the world -  and too many people who drive too fast and dangerously, plus they punctuate their journeys by car or scooter or moped with drivers hooting and waving at all their friends passing in opposite directions. Avoid Bermuda weekday rush hours and the "crazy hours" after midnight and other times when young Bermudians drinking or on drugs drive recklessly at high speeds in cars or on pack-racing mopeds, at considerable danger to themselves and other road users. Main roads have been closed completely for up to 7 hours after road accidents. Many Bermudians totally ignore Government noise controls on their vehicles and illegally soup up engines on mopeds especially to make them sound as high as a jet aircraft overhead.  When these vehicles pass you at illegally high speeds as well, the combination of speeds and noise can easily result in traffic accidents, sometimes severe, or stress, or temporary or permanent loss of hearing or complete deafness.

Bicycles (pedal cycles)

Note that in the summer months when the heat and humidity can be very high, cycling in Bermuda can be strenuous. It is not recommended for those not used to regular exercise in heat and great humidity. Nor is it serene, with so many buses, cars, mopeds and scooters and trucks per square mile all anxious to pass you, on such narrow roads. Bermuda is not flat but hilly, with some hills very steep. 

Several places rent these by the day or week, with safety headgear. See under our Bermuda Employers. With bicycles you can explore much more of the fabled Bermuda Railway Trail than by walking. They are the only vehicles allowed on the Trail. They are allowed to have saddle bags but are not allowed to tow trailers. 

There are no country lanes for rural cycling. All roads are urban and the main roads of North Shore Road, South Road, Middle Road and Harrington Sound Road are one lane each way but are Bermuda's equivalent of interstate highways or trunk roads. To avoid holding up licensed motorized traffic, owners of which pay more per square mile for annual licensing than anywhere else in the world, try not to use unlicensed cycles on the main roads during rush hours.

Boat cruises

A variety of licensed boats, excursion and party type, take visitors into the Great Sound, Little Sound, Castle Harbor and other routes to see the sights. Most of the operators are based in or near the city of Hamilton. But if you wish to go by yourself, or in a party of up to four, in one boat - often much more fun, less expensive per person and more relaxing than on a party boat - your choice may be limited to a 13 foot Boston whaler with a 15 horse power outboard engine. But you can see and explore as you wish. 

Buses 

Excluding mini buses, shown separately below. All regular public transportation buses are government-operated. To date, none of Bermuda's buses are wheelchair-accessible although this has been recommended. Unlike in the UK, USA, Canada, etc. they do not carry signs showing special seating for seniors or disabled.

The Buses of Bermuda

All Bermuda bus stops are marked by poles painted - like the buses - in pink and blue. They are all "request" stops which means that if no passengers are waiting to get on or off at a particular stop, the bus driver will not stop. If the pole by the bus stop is PINK, the bus will be traveling towards the city of Hamilton. If the pole is BLUE, the bus will be traveling away from Hamilton. If a bus passes you without stopping, it may be full. This happens frequently when cruise ships are in port. Their passengers often crowd the buses. Sometimes, they or local commuters have to stand in a narrow bus aisle on sharply winding roads. 

Bermuda's buses are all custom-built in Europe, costing over $400,000 each. They carry 32-34 seated passengers. Others have to stand. Each bus can take up to 65 people. They are made by German/Netherlands/Belgian manufacturer Berkhof Jonkheere to suit Bermuda's small size main roads. These buses, when not full - as they often are when cruise ships are in local ports - provide a good way  to get out and about and see many of the local sights. They are operated by the Bermuda Government's Public Transportation Board (PTB), see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda_Public_Transportation_Board - established in 1946 (see Bermuda Government Boards) - to which all enquiries about the buses should be directed. Address is 26 Palmetto Road, Devonshire DV 05, Bermuda. Mailing Address: P.O. Box HM 443, Hamilton HM BX, Bermuda. Telephone: (441) 292-3851. Fax: (441) 292-9996. Email: info@ptb.bm for specific information about buses and fares. Email charters@ptb.bm for charters (corporate or ships, etc. hire of a bus or buses). The first female driver was employed in February 1968. Today, there are about 26 ladies and 97 men. All Bermuda buses run on diesel fuel only.

Fares for regular local buses

Payable by local passengers and visitors by air or cruise ship.

Cash Fares require exact change only. The Cash fare per person for each single journey up to 3 Zones (a small local area)  is $3.00, while longer journeys (the great majority) cost $4.50. Drivers do not make change, and are forbidden from receiving and depositing money in the fare box. Dollar bills are not accepted.
Tokens are available for 3 and 14 Zones, and are honored on buses and ferries.
Tickets for 3 and 14 Zones are sold in Booklets of 15, and are honored on buses only.
Transportation Passes: unlimited number of journeys for all Zones, and are honored on buses and ferries.

Note: from April 1, 2013 fares shown below which have been the same since 2004, increase by up to 25%

Children under Age 5 ride FREE. Cash for ages 5-16 is $2.00 (exact change and no Dollar Bills)

Bus Routes

Route 1 - Hamilton / Grotto Bay / St. George's
Route 2 - Hamilton / Ord Road
Route 3 - Hamilton / Grotto Bay / St. George's
Route 4 - Hamilton / Spanish Point
Route 5 - Hamilton / Pond Hill
Route 6 - St. George's / St. David's
Route 7 - Hamilton / Barnes Corner via South Shore Road, sometimes Dockyard
Route 8 & 8C - Hamilton / Barnes Corner; Hamilton / Dockyard; Hamilton / Somerset via Middle Road
Route 9 - Hamilton / Prospect (National Stadium)
Route 10 - Hamilton / St. George's via North Shore past Aquarium
Route 11 - Hamilton / St. George's via North Shore Road

State your exact destination when paying cash or purchasing tokens or tickets. Visitors using cash, tickets or tokens (not passes) and having to change buses to get to a particular destination should ask the driver of the first bus, as soon as they board, for a transfer, to avoid paying another fare on the second bus. A transfer is valid for 30 minutes for the next scheduled trip of the connecting route and should be presented to the driver of the second bus when boarding. Timetables are available free of charge from the bus terminal in the city of Hamilton and sometimes from drivers as well.

See website for routes, times and fares (tickets, not tokens, are good on the ferries as well). Bus schedules are timed for operators who drive at 35 kph (21 mph).

Buses in Bermuda can be frequent compared to most other urban, town and city places in North America and rural, urban and town places in the United Kingdom. Only in UK cities (not towns) is there a more frequent service. But local buses are not equipped to carry wheel-chair bound or luggage-carrying passengers. Nor do they have the same signs for the disabled or curb-side access.

Buses first appeared in Bermuda in April 1945 as the Bermuda Omni Bus Service, a division of the Bermuda Railway Company. Before then the only public transportation were trains and ferries. 

Unlike heavy trucks imported to carry containers, which are too wide for Bermuda's roads, Bermuda's imported buses are designed specifically to fit the roads. But it means they have some restrictions. Note the following:

• No paper money is accepted. Only coins or valid passes, tokens and transfers (only at established points).

• While one service goes to the airport, it does not take passengers with luggage from or to the airport. It is not well understood by tourists that Bermuda buses do not take passengers with any luggage or suit cases or baby strollers or prams or golf clubs. Bags larger than flight attendant bags will not be accepted. Yet tourists often try to bring them, spoiling things for other passengers. Among other things, they make it difficult or dangerous for feeble or elderly people to negotiate when getting on or off, especially when the bus may be full. Umbrella strollers only are allowed.  All bags must go under the seat or on your lap. 

• They don't have overhead racks or underbelly luggage compartments.

• No wet clothing, no bathing suits, proper attire only.

• No reclining seats or seat belts for adults or children or infants, no places to secure car seats for children. Only practical way is on a lap, when space permits seating for an adult.

• All buses have buzzers for passengers. Press the buzzer at least 150 yards before the bus stop you want. If you don't know when to press the buzzer, tell the driver when you get on the bus where you want to get off and ask for help. If possible, given traffic conditions, you may be told by announcement, as a courtesy. But bear in mind that if he or she forgets or is too busy with traffic, you should not complain. It is not a service customarily provided by the drivers of buses, if any, where you live. Local maps, given away free to visitors, often show the location of specific visitor attractions.

• For safety and related reasons on very busy local roads and at terminals or bus stops, their drivers cannot get out of the bus to assist passengers, as nationwide or regional or city-to-city bus services do in the USA and beyond.

• For Senior Citizens/Disabled who can use a bus (not for those in a wheelchair, see Disabled), free passes are available to Local Residents only with a Special Persons Card. Seniors from abroad without such a card must pay full price. Unlike in the UK, there are no similar concessionary fares for a companion, who may be younger, of someone elderly or disabled/physically handicapped. There are no signs for reserved seating for the walking (ambulatory) disabled as there are in London and other city and urban buses.

• Like most buses worldwide, they do not allow any eating or drinking. They don't allow more than a single aisle of standing passengers. Wisely, given Bermuda's many winding narrow roads and sharp bends.

• They are financed by local taxpayers, not tourists, and it is upsetting to locals when there are so many tourists on a particular bus that there is no room for locals. Some local senior citizens in particular - who depend on the buses - believe it is not safe or possible to use certain bus routes at all during the day - such as the 7, 10, 11 - when cruise ships are in. Or when tourists use the only Express Bus  - in the morning and evening on working weekdays - intended specifically for local commuters. It has been recommended that these buses carry "commuter bus" signs. Both local agents of cruise ship lines and the cruise ships themselves should accept, read, digest and pass on to their passengers the information from the Public Transportation Department of the Bermuda Government. Presently, some cruise passengers make a point of taking Express - commuter buses . Try to avoid the bus terminal in Hamilton from 3:30 to 5:45 pm when commuters are going home and expect to get priority on any express buses.

Cabs

See under Taxis

Carriages

All horse-drawn, they are remnants of an old Bermuda tradition and are mostly found at near the cruise ship terminals in the city of Hamilton and town of St. George.   Carriage drivers, most of whom wear pith helmets in the summer, are required by law to have a rate card posted in the vehicle. They are expensive. Ask for fares and an informative spoken guided tour.  Horses in the City of Hamilton must wear diapers.  These are very slow moving vehicles so try not get one during rush hour traffic times as they will hold up traffic.

Cycles

See Bicycles.

Ferries

Most, but not all, have covered lower-deck seating accessibility for the disabled. Currently: Ask for a print-out of the Summer 2013 schedule. For fare information see http://www.oagbermuda.gov.bm/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=283&&PageID=633&mode=2&in_hi_userid=2&cached=true. From April 1, 2013 ferry fares increase by about 25%.

The Sea Express ferry service is operated by the Bermuda Government's Department of Marine and Ports. Phone 295-4506. These relaxed sea routes are unequalled, a superb sea or harbor crossing in unrivalled scenery, much better than going by bus on overcrowded and perpetually noisy roads. They are far more ecological than a bus, with daily or weekly or monthly passes included in the same price as the buses, and far less expensive than a taxi. The only extra charge is for cycles or mopeds. All places to stay, cruise ships and the ferry terminal have copies of the ferry timetable at no charge. Unlike the buses, ferries to and from Dockyard and St. George's (see below) can take wheelchairs for the disabled. The Paget to Warwick ferry will take the walking disabled. They also take cycles or mopeds. 

From Hamilton, they serve Paget, Warwick, Somerset and Dockyard on a varied daily basis (see timetable) and St. George's on Wednesdays and Thursdays from April 18 through November 2 only). They do not operate when the weather is too windy.

Not shown is the route to St. David's via St. George's

Bermuda ferry, one of the smaller ones

Water distances and direction in miles from Hamilton

• Lower Ferry, Paget. Across the harbor and south east......................0.25
• Salt Kettle, Paget. Across the harbor and south west.........................0.75
• Belmont, Warwick.  Across the harbor and south west......................1.25
• Rockaway, Southampton. Via the harbor and west............................2.75
• Mangrove Bay, Sandys. Via the harbor and west..............................4.50
• Cavello Bay, Sandys. Via the harbor and west..................................6.00
• Dockyard, Sandys. Via the harbor and west.....................................6.14
• St. George's. Via the harbor and west, then east............................ 12.00
• St. David's. via St. George's to/from Hamilton..................................14.00

Bermuda ferries conform to rigid standards of ferry construction by Lloyds Register of Shipping. They have twin hulls and reach higher speeds than the older ferries. They meet USA environmental standards, have low-emission diesel engines, low noise, low wake, sewage holding tanks, wheelchair access, comfortable cushioned seats and a concession stand for coffee, tea, soft drinks and food. Additionally, more than US$ 15 million of Bermuda taxpayers' money was spent on improving all the ferry docks except Boaz Island (which was eliminated) and construction of new ones. To allow for easy embarkation and disembarkation, the new floating ferry dock in Hamilton was designed and built in Canada. It remains at the same level regardless of whether the tide is high or low. The difference in level between the fixed land side dock and the floating dock is accommodated by a ramp which is hinged at the fixed end and free to rise and fall with the floating dock at the opposite end. At other places - where it is impractical to provide a floating dock - the ferries berth against a fixed dock with a hinged ramp which lower onto the bow of the ferry. Bermuda Department of Marine & Ports pilots and ferry personnel were trained at a US shipyard in operation and maintenance of the new vessels.

Million-dollar ferries include Serenity; The Resolute; Venturilla (after the first black person in Bermuda, a slave believed to have spent several months in Bermuda, after a shipwreck in 1603)Tempest and Warbaby Fox )after Charles Hilgrove W. Fox, owner of the Black Horse tavern in St. David’s and a prominent figure in the Eastern County and Cup Match cricket games. It has a top speed of 33 knots per hour and can carry 350 passengers. It is powered by four diesel and four water jet engines and took six months to build).

Gasoline and oil costs

This web site explains why Bermuda one of the most expensive places in the world for locals and visitors. It is more than double the price of gasoline anywhere in Canada and the Caribbean and more than three times the price of the USA.

Helicopters

None now. There was one in the 1990s.

Horse Riding

Horse riding stables are not in a municipal area.  They can be accessed by bicycle, bus, taxi or moped, and have parking facilities. For those who enjoy horse-back riding, there are approved routes in a number of areas. But unlike in most parts of the Caribbean and Mexico, horse riding by visitors is NOT allowed on the beaches. Qualified instructors are available, offering lessons for the inexperienced. When on a horse, be sure to avoid the constantly busy, horribly noisy and made very dangerous to visitors by constant speeders main North Shore Road and Middle Road and South Road nearby.

Hotel Shuttle service to and from airport

No Bermuda hotels are allowed by government to have airport shuttles, despite requests from hotels to be allowed to operate such vehicles. They would if they could. Bermuda is one of the very few places in the world that will not routinely allow this. The only hotel shuttles allowed are those connecting some hotels to their private beaches. However, some hotels and guest houses work around this by privately arranging with individual taxi operators or taxi businesses to pickup and deliver their guests from/to the airport. 

Limousines

The Bermuda Government created in June 2006 a new category of public service vehicle. It is known as a limousine, borrowed in name but not in style or size from limousines common overseas. It does not refer to a stretch-limo vehicle - not allowed in Bermuda -  but can be a larger automobile car or former taxi. A number of limousine licenses have been issued, with some taxi drivers having exchanged their taxi permit to become a limousine operator.

Mini buses

All are privately owned. They offer pickups, transportation and special tours. A potentially good option for individual or group tours going to specific places. There are several services covering all or parts of Bermuda. Mini-buses can go where public transportation buses don't go, and/or at more convenient times and/or offer a more tailored and personalized service for smaller groups. A courtesy free website link (see Links and Mentions) from this website will be gladly extended to them as individual services when they reciprocate the courtesy. They are examined, passed and re-licensed annually by the Bermuda transport authority (Transport Control Board), and insured by a Bermudian insurance company. These are not big buses. Instead, they are passenger vans or smaller buses in various sizes. Some can carry up to 27 people. Some can also carry up to two disabled passengers in wheelchairs. 

Ministry of Transport

The responsibility of the Ministry is to manage and regulate transportation in Bermuda, including the airport, weather services, buses and ferries.

Mopeds

See under "Auxiliary cycles."

Motor Cycles

See under "Motor Cycles" in Bermuda Road Transport for Locals." Not mentioned here because, like cars, they cannot be driven by tourists.

Scooters

See under "Auxiliary cycles."

Taxis

Most are now minivans which require a foot-high step-up, fine for the sighted non-disabled but not for the disabled or mobility-impaired. A small number can take a wheelchair. Under The Motor Car Amendment Act 2005, drivers of the Island’s 600 cabs -  equivalent to 28.57 taxis per square mile - must be “appropriately equipped” - meaning with a two-way radio set; a mobile data terminal; a global positioning device; and an alarm device, approved by the Bermuda Government's Minister of Transport. They must be examined, passed and re-licensed annually by the Bermuda transport authority (Transport Control Board), and insured by a Bermudian insurance company. Residents or visitors requiring more details of taxi fares which are Bermuda Government approved and regulated, and  information on what seat belts for adults and children taxis have, should get them from the Ministry of Transport. Taxis are imported at a low Bermuda Government import duty rate of 10% compared to more than 100% for some other automobiles. With rented automobiles forbidden in Bermuda, it is hoped taxis would be accepted by overseas visitors as an acceptable substitute. There are often not enough taxis to meet seasonal demand from arriving or departing passengers. For taxi drivers, the busiest time of year is when cruise ships are in port - from April to October. 

Some taxis are larger than others, with the largest capable of sitting up to six passengers and their luggage. In late 2003, they were increased in maximum length and width to 210 inches long and 77 inches wide, instead of the up to 200 inches long and 75 inches in width. Limits to engine capacity have also been eliminated, to make way for luxury vehicles such as a Mercedes Benz taxi.  Any taxi owner wishing to replace the taxi with a wheelchair accessible one may do so without needing approval from the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board, but they are not allowed to charge wheelchair-disabled passengers any more than able passengers. However, if disabled and in a wheelchair be sure to ask if the taxi can take both an electric wheelchair and a manual wheelchair or just one or the other. Some taxis are not equipped to take both. Rates are required by law to be the same for both able passengers and disabled passengers in a wheelchair.

All taxis are inspected twice a year and owners pay an annual license fee, with no Sunday Permit extra. All are insured, with visible taxi signs and meters. Most taxi drivers are not owners of their taxis. Owners must register with a taxi dispatch company, but have a choice in which one.  They are in USA or Bermuda dollars. A prime purpose of the legislation and GPS system is to send the taxi closest to the customer and reduce the wait time for a taxi called by telephone to no more than 15 minutes. Taxi drivers for a 2-way taxi radio. Taxis are all right hand drive, with sliding doors on the LEFT side, in conformity with Bermuda's LEFT SIDE, so passengers can enter and exit safely instead of having to face oncoming traffic. 

Since 1 January 2004, under The Motor Car Act 1951 and Motor Car (Seat Belts) Regulations 2002, seat belts are required. Adults sitting in the front seat must wear a seat belt.  Adults in the rear seat are not required to do so. Children from birth to one year and up to 20 lbs in weight must be in a rear facing seat. Children from 30 lbs to 40 lbs must be in a forward-facing child seat. Children from 40 to 80 lbs must use a seat belt positioning device or booster seat. All children are safest in the back seat. The driver of the vehicle is legally responsible for ensuring compliance and may be fined for non-compliance, but the law does not seem to be clear on who must provide booster seats or special child seats for young children. To be on the safe side, parents using taxis for their young families should bring their own. If they do not, so as not to risk being liable by default, taxi drivers may not wish to take them. Occupants 18 and older are legally responsible for themselves. Older cars with no seat belts are not required to be modified. Non-compliance otherwise attracts a fine of $2,100 per offence.

It can cost more than $50 one way from the Bermuda International Airport to some hotels etc. from the airport. The relevant regulatory & price-approving agency, with the latest taxi fares, is the Bermuda Government's Public Service Vehicle Licensing Board (PSVLB). Until 2008 taxi fares were $6.40 or $8, depending number of people in a group that the taxi can take for the first mile with luggage per item of $1, and then $2.25 (up to 4 persons) or $2.80 (up to 6 persons) - for each subsequent mile or part thereof. In all cases there is a surcharge of 25% or 50% respectively for taxi travel on Sundays or Public Holidays.  There is also a Sightseeing Rate per hour for those who may find it less expensive or easier or more convenient to travel in a taxi-sized group. Most arriving passengers do not need to make a reservation at the airport or cruise ship terminal but if you take a taxi for sightseeing and to leave, make a reservation each time with a taxi service (there are several (see below). For a party of 4 to 6, engaging a suitably-sized taxi by the day or half day, with the driver acting as the tour guide, can be a good way to see Bermuda. A blue flag fluttering from the taxi's bonnet signifies the driver has qualified as a tour guide. Residents and visitors should not plan on being able to get a taxi to go anywhere on Christmas Day or New Year's Eve. All taxi drivers are self-employed. The condition of any person taking the taxi is a factor. If drunk or disorderly or unruly, a driver may refuse to take or continue to take passengers. Each taxi has a GPS satellite-navigation system. 

For taxi availability and rates contact any of the following: All Bermuda phone numbers start with area code 441 if dialing outside Bermuda.

Taxi operators include:

• B T A (Dispatching) Ltd, Water Street Street, George's, phone 296-2121. 
• Bermuda Radio Taxi Cabs, phone 295-4141
• Bermuda Taxi Operators Company, phone 292-4175 
• Bermuda Taxi Services, phone 295-8294
• Bermuda Taxi Owners Association, phone 292-5600 or fax 296-4682.
• BIU Taxi Co-op Transportation, phone 292-4476
• Hodgson's Taxi Service, phone 334-8095
• Island-wide Taxi Services, phone 292-5600
• Nesbitt's Taxi Service, phone 337-3411
• Safar Transportation, phone 334-8584
• Trott Travel, phone 295-0041

Water taxis

Launched in May 2013 it hopes to provide a new and exciting way to travel around the Island. Bermuda Water Taxi, operated by Captain Ashley Simmons, services Dockyard, St George’s, Hamilton and the Great Sound - but not yet at the Airport. A nice alternative to the Island’s land-based taxi and ferry services. Servicing the same stops as the Ferry Service, the water taxi can pick up or drop off customers at any public or private dock in the Great Sound. The service can be much faster than taxis, with a trip from Dockyard to Hamilton taking around 17 minutes. Tourists and locals can call for the taxi when needed or can make reservations for a pick-up. The water taxi is a 12-seat ridged inflatable said was put together entirely in Bermuda. The only real concern is the weather and resulting sea conditions. To book a water taxi, contact Bermuda Water Taxi at 535-5555. The service operates from 8am to 7pm daily with a cost of $10 to $20 depending on the destination.

Since 2009 a water taxi service has formed part of the National Transportation Plan of the Ministry of Transport of the Bermuda Government. It was hoped they will be in operation sometime in the foreseeable future to/from the airport, serving both residents and visitors. But before then, proper docking must be built at the airport. Currently, no vessels of any kind service the airport. It is intended that when in operation they be owned and operated by Bermudians  and be:

• Based on the same principles that exist for land taxis, with space for both passengers and luggage, with a prescribed number of allowable permits.
• Current land taxi owners and licensed commercial boat operators will be given the opportunity to bid on water taxi services.
• Operating the same training, dispatching and safety standards as land taxis.

Last Updated: May 20, 2013.
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