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:
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]
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, in the Caribbean region of the Americas, and the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands. It occupies an area of 432 km2 (167 sq mi) and has a population of about 287,000. Its capital and largest city is Bridgetown.
Hong Kong has a highly developed and sophisticated transport network, encompassing both public and private transport. Based on Hong Kong Government's Travel Characteristics Survey, over 90% of the daily journeys are on public transport, the highest rate in the world. However, in 2014 the Transport Advisory Committee, which advises the Government on transportation issues, issued a report on the much worsened congestion problem in Hong Kong and pointed at the excessive growth of private cars during the past 10–15 years.
Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of Barbados. Formerly The Town of Saint Michael, the Greater Bridgetown area is located within the parish of Saint Michael. Bridgetown is sometimes locally referred to as "The City", but the most common reference is simply "Town". As of 2014, its metropolitan population stands at roughly 110,000.
Barbados is an up-and-coming tourist country that provides reliable and safe transportation for natives and visitors alike. The country is very small with a length of 21 miles (34 km) and a width of 14 miles (23 km). Barbados has 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) of public paved roads, two active marine ports in, remnants of a railway system, and one airport; the Sir Grantley Adams International Airport, located in Christ Church.
A share taxi is a mode of transport which falls between a taxicab and a bus. These vehicles for hire are typically smaller than buses and usually take passengers on a fixed or semi-fixed route without timetables, but instead departing when all seats are filled. They may stop anywhere to pick up or drop off their passengers. Often found in developing countries, the vehicles used as share taxis range from four-seat cars to minibuses. They are often owner-operated.
The parish of St. Michael is one of eleven parishes of Barbados. It has a land area of 39 km2 (15 sq mi) and is found at the southwest portion of the island. Saint Michael has survived by name as one of the original six parishes created in 1629 by Governor Sir William Tufton.
Speightstown, also known as Little Bristol, is the second largest City centre of Barbados. It is situated 12 miles (19 km) north of the capital city of Bridgetown, in the northern parish of Saint Peter.
Holetown, is a small city located in the Caribbean island nation of Barbados. Holetown is located in the parish of Saint James on the sheltered west coast of the island.
The parish of Christ Church is one of eleven historic political divisions of Barbados. It has a land area of 57 km2 (22 sq mi) and is found at the southern end of the island. Christ Church has survived by name as one of the original six parishes created in 1629 by Governor Sir William Tufton.
The parish of Saint Lucy is the northernmost area in the country of Barbados. Saint Lucy is the only parish of Barbados out of the eleven to be named after a female patron saint, Saint Lucy of Syracuse. Saint Lucy's shape also resembles a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, east and west. The Harrison Point Lighthouse is located in Harrisons, Saint Lucy between Great Head and Norse's Bay, also in Saint Lucy. To the south lies the neighbouring Parish of Saint Peter.
The following is an alphabetical list of topics related to the nation of Barbados.
Maxi taxis are private, owner-operated minibuses in Romania and Trinidad and Tobago that are used in public transport. They operate along fixed routes, having fixed fares and meeting points, but do not operate under a timetable.
Barbadian Vehicle registration plates consist of letters and numbers. The Barbados Licensing Authority issues licence plates to all new motor vehicle owners. Each licence plate has one or two letters which represents the part of the island which the vehicle's owner resides or previously resided at the time the vehicle was registered. The first part consists of one or two letters which determine the part of the island the registration is from, or category of vehicle. The international code for Barbadian plates is BDS.
The Barbados Transport Board is the government owned bus transport provider in the country of Barbados. The headquarters is located at Weymouth, Roebuck Street, while the main terminal is at Fairchild Street in Saint Michael. The other three terminals are: the Constitution River Terminal (located just across the river from the Main Terminal, The Princess Alice Terminal also in Bridgetown, Saint Michael and the Speightstown Terminal in Speightstown, Saint Peter in the north. Also, the three bus depots are located at Weymouth, Saint Michael, Oistins, Christ Church and Mangrove, Saint Philip.
The Barbados Police Service (BPS), previously called the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), is the law enforcement agency in Barbados, as established under the Police Act, Cap. 167. Richard Boyce is currently Commissioner of the Police.
The Premier League is the top football league in Barbados. It was created in 1947 and is headed by the Barbados Football Association. Ten teams participate in this league. It is known as the Digicel Premier League for sponsorship reasons.
The Barbados Tramway Company operated a network of horse-drawn narrow gauge trams in Bridgetown, capital of Barbados, with an unknown gauge of approximately 1,067 mm.