Monrovia - Post Report Question and Answers
Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There are no trains, trams, or buses that I know of. There are taxis and tap-taps. The tap-taps are very cheap and a great way to quickly get around Monrovia traffic, although not always the safest option. Generally, I just used my own vehicle. - Oct 2021
There are local cabs but not much else. There are a few RSO-approved cabs that will come when you call. - Aug 2019
Only used a taxi before our vehicle arrived. I would not use other forms of transportation. - Aug 2019
The embassy community is not encouraged to use public transportation. - Aug 2019
Buses and taxis available and cheap but NOT safe. Ditto motorcycle taxis and 3-wheelers. I would have to be very desperate to use any. No trams or trains. - Nov 2017
There are a few local taxi services that are very safe and affordable. - Jun 2016
There are few buses and they run irregularly. Most people get around by taxi or (especially outside of Monrovia) motorcycle taxis (called pehn-pehns). Drivers are often unlicensed and do not follow good safety practices. Vehicles are often poorly maintained if not on the verge of collapse. Motorcycle riders are often incredibly reckless. U.S. government personnel are not allowed to use local taxis or public transport for safety reasons. - Aug 2015
There are no trains or buses. Taxis are in poor repair and crowded, but cheap. I hear embassy people aren't allowed to use them. Motor cycle taxis are common, but currently banned on main streets and very dangerous. - Dec 2013
The US Embassy forbids use of any local transportation for safety reasons---for both physical safety and for risk of criminal activity. - Dec 2012
US Embassy staff are not authorized to use public transportation of any sort. Some car rental places are now being vetted. - Aug 2010
Not safe, and embassy personnel are not authorized to use public transport. You wouldn't want to, either. - Jul 2009
