Mini Bus system connecting Anse-a-Galets to Pointe-a-Raquettes

So I mentioned a bit about how La Gonave could easily build a mini bus system that would mainly focus on Anse-a-Galets.  The hub of the entire network would be in Anse-a-Galets.  I mentioned the phases that would make logical sense and what the people of La Gonave must be willing to do. 

Moving people from place to place will help build the economy of La Gonave.  I looked at the Country of Barbados.  That tiny country is a little bit smaller than the island of La Gonave.  So it peaked my interest since transit can be modeled after other places.  They have different types of buses there, but one type of bus, the Reggae Bus, is one that I will talk about today.

This bus pictured below is a diesel powered manual bus. 

These buses seat about 20 passengers per bus.  What makes these buses ideal is their size and capability.  So my opinion is to use a bus like this to connect Anse-a-Galets to Pointe-a-Raquettes as a commuter bus line.  Here is why the local mini electric bus wouldn't work to connect the two cities.  The electric bus is designed to go short distances,and have a quick turn around time.  The maximum speed is 25 mph, so connecting the two cities would be painfully slow using the electric mini bus.  Also the range on the electric mini bus is about 40 miles.  The bus would not be ideal to make the 15-20 mile drive (depending on road alignment).  Now currently there is no direct route from the two cities.  So this is just ideas talking.  Using a bus like what is used in Barbados makes great sense.

A express commuter bus line would run maybe 3 times per day, possibly only a morning and late evening route in the beginning. This bus will run on diesel and would be able to drive just as fast as any vehicle currently on the island of La Gonave.  Now again, I know there is no paved road between the two cities, yet.  If locals choose to tax themselves to fun transit, then building a road to connect the two cities is a reality. 

Now while this bus is bigger than the electric bus, it is still a PLB, or Public Light Bus.  In different areas, some argue that if it seats more than 15 it isn't a PLB, but in Barbados, these reggae buses are considered mini buses. 

If this can work in Barbados, then why not La Gonave.  Sure building the commuter line would be many years off.  While the buses would be cheap (buying used from Barbados), building a road connecting the two cities would be rather expensive.  Anything that is greater than 5 miles from the center of Anse-a-Galets would have to use a bus such as the reggae bus.

Something to consider.

The next blog I will talk about the potential route of the initial mini bus route in Anse-a-Galets.

Go Gonave!