Bermuda

The islands benefit from an excellent and frequent bus service, which connects all parts of the islands to Hamilton. The buses are used equally by locals and visitors. When catching a bus look out for the pink and blue painted poles which denote bus stops; pink indicates buses to Hamilton; blue from Hamilton. Note that buses will not accept passengers with significant luggage. There are also passenger ferries which ply the waters of Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound, and are a great way of getting to Somerset and the Dockyard. Transportation passes valid on both buses and ferries are available for unlimited use for periods of 1 to 31 days and cost $12.00-$50.00. One bus or ferry trip costs $4.-, ask for a transfer if you must connect to another line. Taxis are another easy way of getting around the islands. They are available at taxi stands on Front St. in Hamilton, at the major hotels or by phone. All taxis are fitted with a meter and charge $4 for first mile plus $1.40 for each subsequent mile. If not in Hamilton, you can always flag one down on a major road or call to have one pick you up. With many services in Bermuda, but especially with taxis (though not with buses), there is a concept of "Bermuda Time," which basically means, "When we get to it." You may find that, when calling for a taxi to pick you up, they may not be as prompt as you would like. This may mean waiting an extra ten minutes, but remember that Bermuda is not at all fast-paced like a city, it is much more laid back and relaxed here. So relax; you're on Bermuda time. Enjoy the views while you wait. Until the arrival of the US military during the second world war, cars were entirely banned from the islands. Even now hire cars are banned, and only residents are permitted to own cars. Motorized bicycles or mopeds are available for hire and heavily used by locals and tourists as well. If you wish to use mopeds, rentals are very common and priced competitively, but beware: "Road Rash" is a very common affliction affecting many tourists. Note that travel is on the left side of the road (opposite to U.S. travel). More information available from:

• Public Transport Board, Phone: +1 (441) 292-3851, (operators of the bus service), [2].
• Sea Express, Phone: +1 (441) 295-6575, (operators of the ferry service), [3].