In Guyana, a wide range of vehicles is used for both urban and rural transportation, influenced by the country’s road conditions, climate, import trends, and economic activities. Vehicles are mostly right-hand drive, and imported primarily from Japan, Singapore, and the UK.
Common Types of Vehicles Used in Guyana
1. Passenger Cars
- Widely used for private and taxi services.
- Mostly compact and fuel-efficient models.
- Popular brands: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda.
- Models like Toyota Allion, Axio, Fielder, and Honda Fit are very common.
2. Mini-Buses (Public Transportation)
- A primary mode of public transport.
- Known locally as “minibuses” or route buses, each assigned to specific routes.
- Typically 12- to 15-seaters.
- Popular models: Toyota Hiace, Nissan Caravan.
3. Taxis
- Yellow- or white-plated cars operating independently or via dispatch.
- No meters—fares are usually negotiated or fixed by location.
- Many taxis are reconditioned Japanese sedans.
4. Trucks and Lorries
- Used for construction, mining, and agriculture.
- Ranges from light-duty pickups to heavy-duty freight trucks.
- Brands: Isuzu, Mitsubishi Fuso, Toyota Hilux, Ford, Tata, Hino.
5. Pickups and 4×4 Vehicles
- Very common in interior and rural regions where roads are rough or unpaved.
- Used for government, mining, agriculture, and personal use.
- Popular models: Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara.
6. Agricultural and Industrial Vehicles
- Tractors, bulldozers, and backhoes used in farming and forestry.
- Common brands: John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Caterpillar.
7. Buses and Coaches
- Larger buses are used for inter-city and private school transport.
- Private school buses are often repainted minibuses or small coaches.
8. Motorcycles and Scooters
- Widely used in rural areas and by delivery drivers.
- Economical and agile for Guyana’s road conditions.
- Common brands: Honda, Suzuki, TVS, Zongshen.
9. Bicycles
- Still used in villages and towns for short commutes.
- Also used by students and low-income households.
Other Transport-Related Facts:
- Many vehicles are used/reconditioned imports.
- Fuel is expensive, so hybrids (like Toyota Prius) are increasingly popular.
- Guyana drives on the left side of the road.