ZR (bus): Difference between revisions

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]

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]

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]

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
• 5A – Constitution River Terminal and Oistins – Six Roads & Oistins – Christ Church
• 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
• 64 – Constitution River Terminal Nursery Drive and Belmont Road – Six Roads. St.philp
• 88 – Cheapside Terminal and Spooner’s Hill, St. Michael – Holders Hill St. James