U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced the deployment of six new paratransit vans for VITRAN Plus service, marking the first delivery in a major, long-planned expansion of the Territory’s public transportation fleet.
Of the six vehicles placed into service today, three are assigned to St. Croix, two to St. Thomas, and one to St. John. This delivery represents the first shipment of a total of twelve new paratransit vehicles scheduled to arrive in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Commissioner of Public Works Derek Gabriel described the deployment as a meaningful milestone, following years of planning and coordination.
“This is a proud and important moment for VITRAN and for the communities we serve,” Commissioner Gabriel said. “We have been working toward this goal for nearly three years, and seeing these vehicles finally deployed underscores our commitment to strengthening public transportation across the Territory. For many of our seniors and residents with disabilities, paratransit service is not optional—it is essential.”
Deputy Commissioner of Transportation Karole Ovesen-McGregor, who oversees VITRAN operations, highlighted the direct impact the new vehicles will have on service delivery and riders’ daily lives.
“These paratransit vehicles represent more than just new equipment—they represent reliability, independence, and improved quality of life for our riders,” Ovesen-McGregor said. “Our team has worked diligently for years to move this procurement forward, and we are excited to finally place these vehicles into service for the people who depend on this service every day.”
In addition to the paratransit expansion, the DPW confirmed that sixteen new fixed-route buses are expected to arrive on the island later this year, with the first shipment anticipated in March. These vehicles will enhance service along key routes and improve overall system reliability.
“Both fixed-route and paratransit services are vital to a strong mass transit system,” Commissioner Gabriel added. “Public transportation plays a critical role in supporting our workforce, serving underserved communities, and improving access across the Virgin Islands.”
DPW and VITRAN will continue preparing for the arrival and deployment of the remaining vehicles as part of ongoing efforts to modernize public transportation throughout the Territory.
Let's Talk About Improvements to Raphune Hill Road, St Thomas USVI
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that pursuant to Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 21, Section 904-9 meetings of the St. Thomas Committee of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission have been scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This meeting will be held via the video conferencing platform Microsoft Teams.
Decision Meeting for Federal Consistency Determination, CZM0026-25, has been submitted by The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in cooperation with the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works. The project proposes to improve Raphune Hill Road in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas in three Phases. This consistency determination addresses Phase 2 (Contract 2) which is the relocation of Route 381 and Route 38 intersection, as well as relocation of a portion of Route 381 and other miscellaneous improvements including stormwater drainage.
DATE Tuesday, January 20, 2026
START TIME 04:00pm - Until
MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING Meeting ID: 282 136 491 441 35 Passcode: BK67Aq6H ... See MoreSee Less
The Department of Public Works (DPW) provides the community with an update regarding the streetlight installation on the Melvin Evans Highway as a part of the Clifton Hill Connector Project.
Starting today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, DPW’s contractor – Grace Civil, LLC – will begin the installation of the 20 remaining replacement poles in various locations along the highway. Motorists should proceed with caution when traversing this area.
The Department of Public Works appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as it continues its efforts to improve road conditions throughout the territory. ... See MoreSee Less
The Department of Public Works’ contractors will complete roadside maintenance this week--January 12 - 16, 2026-- in the areas listed below. Please exercise caution in these areas. ... See MoreSee Less
A St. Croix DPW crew conducts work to extend and reinforce the support infrastructure for the traffic signal control unit at the Sunny Isle intersection. ... See MoreSee Less
The Department of Public Works’ contractors will complete roadside maintenance this week--January 05 - 09, 2026-- in the areas listed below. Please exercise caution in these areas. ... See MoreSee Less
DPW Business Opportunity
Design/Build Renovations of the Cruz Bay Public Restrooms
BD-26-610-6103-629
DUE DATE: February 09, 2026 | 4:30 PM ... See MoreSee Less
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U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced the deployment of six new paratransit vans for VITRAN Plus service, marking the first delivery in a major, long-planned expansion of the Territory’s public transportation fleet.
Of the six vehicles placed into service today, three are assigned to St. Croix, two to St. Thomas, and one to St. John. This delivery represents the first shipment of a total of twelve new paratransit vehicles scheduled to arrive in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Commissioner of Public Works Derek Gabriel described the deployment as a meaningful milestone, following years of planning and coordination.
“This is a proud and important moment for VITRAN and for the communities we serve,” Commissioner Gabriel said. “We have been working toward this goal for nearly three years, and seeing these vehicles finally deployed underscores our commitment to strengthening public transportation across the Territory. For many of our seniors and residents with disabilities, paratransit service is not optional—it is essential.”
Deputy Commissioner of Transportation Karole Ovesen-McGregor, who oversees VITRAN operations, highlighted the direct impact the new vehicles will have on service delivery and riders’ daily lives.
“These paratransit vehicles represent more than just new equipment—they represent reliability, independence, and improved quality of life for our riders,” Ovesen-McGregor said. “Our team has worked diligently for years to move this procurement forward, and we are excited to finally place these vehicles into service for the people who depend on this service every day.”
In addition to the paratransit expansion, the DPW confirmed that sixteen new fixed-route buses are expected to arrive on the island later this year, with the first shipment anticipated in March. These vehicles will enhance service along key routes and improve overall system reliability.
“Both fixed-route and paratransit services are vital to a strong mass transit system,” Commissioner Gabriel added. “Public transportation plays a critical role in supporting our workforce, serving underserved communities, and improving access across the Virgin Islands.”
DPW and VITRAN will continue preparing for the arrival and deployment of the remaining vehicles as part of ongoing efforts to modernize public transportation throughout the Territory.
### ... See MoreSee Less
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Let's Talk About Improvements to Raphune Hill Road, St Thomas USVI
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that pursuant to Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 21, Section 904-9 meetings of the St. Thomas Committee of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission have been scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This meeting will be held via the video conferencing platform Microsoft Teams.
Decision Meeting for Federal Consistency Determination, CZM0026-25, has been submitted by The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in cooperation with the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works.
The project proposes to improve Raphune Hill Road in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas in three Phases. This consistency determination addresses Phase 2 (Contract 2) which is the relocation of Route 381 and Route 38 intersection, as well as relocation of a portion of Route 381 and other miscellaneous improvements including stormwater drainage.
DATE
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
START TIME
04:00pm - Until
MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING
Meeting ID: 282 136 491 441 35
Passcode: BK67Aq6H ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Department of Public Works (DPW) provides the community with an update regarding the streetlight installation on the Melvin Evans Highway as a part of the Clifton Hill Connector Project.
Starting today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, DPW’s contractor – Grace Civil, LLC – will begin the installation of the 20 remaining replacement poles in various locations along the highway. Motorists should proceed with caution when traversing this area.
The Department of Public Works appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as it continues its efforts to improve road conditions throughout the territory. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Department of Public Works’ contractors will complete roadside maintenance this week--January 12 - 16, 2026-- in the areas listed below. Please exercise caution in these areas. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A St. Croix DPW crew conducts work to extend and reinforce the support infrastructure for the traffic signal control unit at the Sunny Isle intersection. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We Are Hiring!
Heavy Equipment Mechanic - STT
Supervisor, Mass Transit Bus Operator - STT
VITRAN Mass Transit Bus Mechanic III - STX
Visit dpw.vi.gov/jobs/ for more information ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Department of Public Works’ contractors will complete roadside maintenance this week--January 05 - 09, 2026-- in the areas listed below. Please exercise caution in these areas. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
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