We were in SXM 18 Feb - 5 Mar, our sixth trip there. We have never rented a car and utilize taxi and bus. The first week we stayed in the Orient area and the second week at Beachside Villas in Maho. We took the bus on several occasions primarily between Orient and Marigot and between Maho and Philipsburg. We never once had to wait for a bus, there was always one approaching as we neared the road and you simply wave at the driver and he stops, cost $2. I would also say they are just as quick as a taxi. The best part of the bus is the people you meet, both locals and tourists. The only time we took taxis was if we had to be somewhere at a certain time and we would book the taxi in advance.