Buses on Espiritu Santo don’t look exactly like public buses back home. Along the South coast road you will often see minivans driving up and down. Whereas buses along the East coast road will more likely be pick-up trucks or personal vehicles. You can usually identify them as their number plate will have a ‘B’ or ‘CT’ on it in red.
Stand on the side of the road in the direction you want to travel and wave them down. If you are heading up the east coast road then the Unity Fuel Station and/or outside Daming supermarket is a popular meeting spot. Alternatively wait at the roundabout in the direction you are travelling. Let the driver know where you want to go as there are no set bus stops.
In town buses are fairly regular and pass every 3-5 minutes. However along the East coast road you are more likely to find buses travelling into town in the morning and back from town in the afternoons. Since most shops are shut on Sundays it may be difficult to find public transport options on Sundays.
Taxi’s Really are everywhere on Espiritu Santo. They will be marked with a ‘T’ and usually have a sign on the top. Simply whistle or wave one down on the side of the road. Or give them a call if you want to book a specific trip.
If you have a group of people taxi may actually work out cheaper than buses as rates are based on the journey, not the number of people.
If you are looking for more freedom while you explore Espiritu Santo, then car hire is a great option. Here the roads and traffic rules are very simple so it’s easy for anyone to explore.
Read How to explore Espiritu Santo with Car Hire for more information.