It's the local bus service in the USVI. VI=Virgin Islands TRAN=Transportation.

Is there a schedule posted anywhere, and does it go all over the island? I would think this would be alot cheaper than a taxi.

I think it runs continuously, and it doesn't go to east end. I'll let Islander provide the more detailed info.

Hello Deb & Wes,

Scroll to the top of this page and click on 'St. John' in the blue bar above the books and select Transportation. The bus information is toward the bottom.

--Islander

We spent a week on STT and used the Vitrans quite a bit. They are the "$1.00 Busses" and they are really not busses at all. They are modified trucks fitted with open aired seating for 15-20 people. They seem to be owner-operated and I believe there were "circuits" that each one traveled. For instance, to get from the old Renaissance Grand Resort to K-Mart, we picked one up in front of our resort and took it to Red Hook where we had to pick up another one that went to K-Mart.

What you rode is, indeed, an owner operated, converted truck with a sun/rain shade and seats in the bed, as they tend to run similar routes to VITRAN. You can stand at a VITRAN bus stop and be picked up by the dollar bus much sooner than VITRAN. Vitran buses look like city buses, but they tend to be unreliable, hence the popularity of the dollar buses.

Hello--I've searched all over the internet, but I can't seem to find a map or list of vitran stops. Any guesses as to where I could find the information. Thanks!

Wende, do NOT depend on VITRAN for your transportation needs in STT. Use regular taxis or the Dollar Safaris, if you don't rent a car.

Thanks. I've been there before. I just was hoping to add Vitran as one of my transportation options to save some cash for more rum drinks. 🙂

The bus stops, like in most cities, are clearly marked along the route the bus travels.

One of the posts above noted that they do NOT come to the East End, and that is not true.

What is true is that while you may occasionally see a bus - you have better luck using the same priced $1. ride safaris which travel round the most populous spots/areas.

And How do we tell a dollar bus from a safari taxi?

I hope someone will answer this question because I was wondering the same thing.

Thanks,

Deb

Hello Darsben & Deb,

A safari is a type of vehicle used to run taxi. The other major vehicle used is a van and then cars/suvs. A safari is a converted truck; truck beds are customized with bench seating in an open-air covered area.

There are taxi drivers that run what’s called a 'dollar ride' (with discounted fare) and they are typically in a safari vehicle thus some people calling the 'dollar ride' a safari... however not all safaris are 'dollar rides'.

The 'dollar rides' came into existence as a way to alleviate some of the public transportation needs among residents that the buses weren't filling. It is not a regulated system like the taxis are, therefore some 'dollar ride' drivers will charge the regular taxi rates to tourists.

The 'dollar ride safaris' are typically found running the same route as the public bus so typically if a 'safari' stops at the bus stop area that is a good indication that its a dollar ride. Another sign to look out for is the riders. If the riders are mostly tourists (most of our tourist are white, you can look for shorts, cameras, beach towels, sunburns...) then its a regular safari taxi, likely on a tour of some sort. If the riders are mostly residents (80% of our population is Black, you can look for kids in school uniforms, ladies with purses looking like they just came from work or going to the grocery store - might have their kids in tow) then its likely a dollar ride. Other then this and even with these indicators its a great idea to confirm with the driver and ask him/her where the ride is headed (make sure you are getting on the right one).

Now, I have actually never asked or noticed. Are there dollar rides on St. John?? They exist on St. Thomas as dollar rides along the bus route. And I believe on St. Croix they are $2 rides and run only between the two main towns/bus route.

--Islander