Transport in Bermuda

Bermuda has 150 miles of private paved roads; 130 miles of public paved roads; 25 miles of historic, mostly unpaved railroad trail, used in parts as a scenic trail; two marine ports (Hamilton and St. George's), and one airport, the L.F. Wade International Airport, located at the former U.S. Naval Air Station. A causeway links Hamilton Parish, Bermuda to St. George's and the airport

There are four ocean routes for ferries and boats that travel between several different locations on Bermuda including Hamilton, Paget, St. George's, and West End. Fare for travelling by ferry or boat is generally inexpensive, and allow travel for frequent travel at most hours. In 2003, high-speed catamaran ferry service was introduced.

The Bermuda Railway provided rail passenger and freight service from St. George's to Somerset in Sandys Parish, via Hamilton, beginning in 1931, but it was replaced by bus service and dismantled in 1948.

Cars were not allowed in Bermuda until 1946, however today Bermuda has a large number of private cars, almost one for every two inhabitants; however only residents are allowed to drive cars. This is largely because with close to 300,000 visitors a year allowing car rental in one of the world's most densely populated islands would quickly bring traffic to a standstill, as well as bankrupt the island's taxi industry. Car prices are much higher than in the United States, Canada, and Europe, due to heavy import duties, and residents are also limited to one car per household. The size of cars is also restricted, meaning that many models popular in mainland United States, Canada, and Europe are not available in Bermuda. Only the Governor and Premier are exempt from these restrictions.

As in the United Kingdom, traffic drives on the left, meaning that visitors from North America must take special care on Bermuda's roads.

There is no car hire; visitors may only rent low-power motor scooters; they may also use the extensive public bus system, or take taxis. The highest speed limit anywhere on the island is 35 km/h (approximately 20 mph), and it is lower in built-up and other congested areas.

Railways

Bermuda no longer has any railways, following the abandonment of the Bermuda Railway in 1948. Much of the old railway right-of-way has been converted to the "Bermuda Railway Trail" for hiking and biking.

Highways

"total:"225 km (140 mi)
"paved:"225 km (140 mi)
"unpaved:"none (1997 est.)
"note:"in addition, there are 232 km (144 mi) of paved and unpaved roads that are privately owned

Ports and harbours

Hamilton, Saint George, and Dockyard (in Sandys Parish).

Merchant marine

Bermuda is a flag of convenience registry.

Airports

Airports - with paved runways:

Bermuda International Airport
"total:"
1
"length:"
3,047 m (10,000 ft)

References

"Much of the material in this article is adapted from the CIA World Factbook 2000."

External links

* [http://www.bermudatourism.com/43.aspx Travel: Transport on Bermuda] - "Discover Bermuda", Official Site of the Bermuda Department of Tourism