Transport in Guadeloupe

The topic of Transport in Guadeloupe is a widely discussed and analyzed topic today. For years, it has occupied a prominent place in academic, political and social debates. Its relevance is due to its impact on people's daily lives, as well as on the development of different fields of study. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Transport in Guadeloupe, from its origins to its implications in contemporary society. In addition, its influence in various areas, such as economics, technology, culture and politics, will be examined. Through this exhaustive analysis, we aim to offer a comprehensive vision of Transport in Guadeloupe and its importance in today's world.

As an archipelago, Guadeloupe depends on several systems of public transport. The two islands that make up Guadeloupe proper - Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre - have an extensive road network, while water and air transportation connects to the outer islands as well as international destinations.

Road transport

Guadeloupe uses right-hand traffic. Of the 2,082 km of roads in the region, the majority (1,742 km) are paved and are well-maintained. As Guadeloupe is a French-administered territory, road signs and directions are written in French. The two main islands of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre are connected by the N1 and N11 highways. Winding roads are common, and in Basse-Terre, the mountain roads have especially sharp turns.[1]

Karu'lis operates several bus routes across Grande-Terre (including direct services to and around Basse-Terre), and a small route runs on the north-eastern island of La Désirade.[2]

Rail transport

There are no public railways in Guadeloupe. A public railway line between Pointe-à-Pitre and Le Moule (Grande-Terre) was proposed but was later scrapped.[3] Some plantations operate private railways.[4] There exists a tourist railway that is operational (as of 2014) from Beauport, Port Louis to de Poyen.[3] The construction of a tramway was planned with two lines: one between the Abymes and the Memorial in Pointe-à-Pître; the other between Baie-Mahault and Gosier. This project was later abandoned due to High-service buses being preferred over the tramway.[5]

Water transport

The container terminal Port de Jarry, in Pointe-à-Pitre, is Guadeloupe's primary port for cargo and cruise ship passengers. It handles more than 95% of Guadeloupe's trade.[6] Basse-Terre city contains a smaller sea port which also handles passengers.

Ferries connect Guadeloupe proper to the outer islands of La Désirade, Marie-Galante, and Îles des Saintes, as well as other Caribbean ports.[7]

Air transport

Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport is the primary gateway for international travel into and out of Guadeloupe. It offers direct and chartered/seasonal flights to South America, the Caribbean, North America and Europe.[8] It is a hub airport for Air Caraïbes.

References

  1. ^ "Driving in Guadeloupe". Sixt car hire. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  2. ^ " Lines and schedules". karulis.com. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  3. ^ a b "The Railways of Guadeloupe 2014". www.internationalsteam.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  4. ^ "Guadeloupe - People | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  5. ^ "Cap Excellence doit renoncer à son projet de tramway". Guadeloupe la 1ère (in French). Retrieved 2023-01-14.
  6. ^ " Extension of the port of Guadeloupe to support economic development". European Commission. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
  7. ^ "Plan your trip online". Fodor’s Travel. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  8. ^ " Destinations: Guadeloupe Airport". Aéroport de Guadeloupe Pointe-à-Pitre (Caraïbes). Retrieved 23 December 2020.