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The research in advance of my trip proves public transportation information in the USVI is not convenient, practical nor readily accessible. The public transportation bus system, that I had to contact by phone since I could not find info online, informed me that buses on St. Thomas are used by locals mostly since the buses go mostly into residential areas and not tourist areas. Inter-island transportation to St. John by ferry is good, once you get to the ferry and until you get off the ferry. Seaplane to St. Croix is expense and the best flights are sold out. What is the best way to see it all on a budget?
33 years wrote:
Safe transportation for everyone (local or tourist) is a basic necessity. Sounds like the VI are somewhat primative. If they value people, they will seriously address and resolve this issue promptly and effectively. If you have to contact experts who can be objective and constructive to lead, then get with it, because right now you are not meeting people's needs. This groundwork will help the VI flourish.
I can tell you that it's just the island way. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with the safaris. As primitive as it may seem. Also, as sad as it may be, it just isnt how things work. This has been an issue for rolling years and I don't see a solution in sight anytime soon. Things will remain status quo, regardless how how people feel.
I've been to many places both in and outside the US, and I've never seen a public transportation system that suits everybody's needs. It's just not practical at the rates people are willing to pay.
In most countries public transportation is heavily subsidised. There was a news story on the other night about the huge deficits that so many public transportation systems are racking up, because the fare doesn't cover the expense of operating the trains/buses. I remember the NY example. They charge $1.50, but the actual cost of a trip is $6. That's why most small communities have inadequate, if any, public transportation systems.
We all want the most for our dollars, but since most of us have limited dollars, we have to make choices and do without some things. Very few visitors have an opportunity to visit all 4 islands on one trip (unless they're on a group tour and those are mostly from Denmark), so we try to encourage them to visit other islands when they come again.
You can get to many places on public transportation here, but you can't get to all.
