Public transportation is provided by a bus service operated by government-owned Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC), privately owned mini-buses (locally known as maxi-taxis) and privately owned cars. Maxi-taxis and some cars carry passengers along fixed routes for a fixed fare, although cars are slightly more expensive for similar routes carried by maxi-taxis because of their much smaller passenger capacities. Car taxis are not allowed to utilise the Priority Bus Route, and as such maxi-taxis and buses are preferable for speedily entering and exiting the cities (especially Port of Spain) during rush hour (7am–9am and 4pm–6pm). Maxi-taxis are 12- to 25-passenger minibuses that travel along a fixed route within a specific zone. They’re color-coded by route, run 24 hours, are very cheap and are heavily used by locals. Rides cost TT$3 to TT$12, depending on how far you go. You can flag a maxi at any point along its route, or hop on at the appropriate taxi stand. Keep in mind that, due to their frequent stops, maxi-taxis can take a long time to get from A to B, though in Trinidad maxis that take the Priority Bus Route can be pretty speedy. On Trinidad, many maxi-taxis operate out of the maxi-taxi terminal adjacent to City Gate. On Tobago, all maxis have a blue band.