Transportation in the United States Virgin Islands

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is the only place under United States jurisdiction where the rule of the road is to drive on the left. However, virtually all passenger vehicles are left hand drive due to imports of US vehicles.

Contents 1 Roadways 2 Airports 3 Ports and harbors 4 Railways 5 Customs 6 References

Roadways

The USVI have 1,257 kilometres (781 mi) of roadways.^[1] Island roads tend to be poorly surfaced due to the terrain, and may take sharp turns. Cars drive on the left hand side of the road, but nearly all the automobiles on the island have left side steering columns. This has proven difficult for new residents and visitors from right-hand traffic locales such as the mainland United States and Puerto Rico.

There is a public bus service called Virgin Islands Transit (VITRAN),^[2] operated by Department of Public Works.

In addition to taxis and buses, the USVI has shared taxis, locally known as "taxi buses". Taxi buses are full-sized vans which follow a predefined route, are privately owned and operated, do not follow a regular schedule, and there are no pre-specified stops. Instead, people simply wait by the side of the road until a taxi bus approaches, then flag the driver down by waving. Passengers can be dropped off anywhere along the taxi route. Taxi buses charge a flat rate for the trip, regardless of where a rider gets on and off. Taxis to specific locations are much more expensive and are mostly used by tourists. They are not metered and are required by law to charge a flat fare that varies by destination.

Airports

Two international airports serve the islands:^[1]

• Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport (Saint Croix)
• Cyril E. King International Airport (Saint Thomas)

There is no airport on Saint John.

Ports and harbors

The USVI have four ports, located in:

• Saint Thomas Harbor, Charlotte Amalie (Saint Thomas)^[1]
• Christiansted Harbor, Christiansted (Saint Croix)
• Cruz Bay, Cruz Bay (Saint John)
• Limetree Bay (Saint Croix)^[1]

Railways

The USVI contain no railways^[3] although there was formerly a marine railway on Hassel Island.^[4]

Customs

Although a U.S. territory, the USVI are maintained as a "free port" in a separate customs zone. Travelers to the continental United States and Puerto Rico need to pre-clear U.S. customs and present a passport or proof of U.S. citizenship or nationality. The immigration status of non-U.S. citizens may be checked during this process as well.

References

Territory of United States Virgin Islands Charlotte Amalie (capital) Topics Bibliography Geography Economy Demographics Communications Transportation History Visitor Attractions Government Politics Governors Congressional Delegates Senators Elections Cities Charlotte Amalie Charlotte Amalie West Christiansted Frederiksted Cruz Bay Anna's Retreat Islands Saint Croix Saint John Saint Thomas Water Island Other Parks Virgin Islands NP Virgin Islands Coral Reef NM Buck Island Reef NM Christiansted NHS Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

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