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Quick, flexible and cheap, Marshrutka’s are local shared taxis of Russia, operating on fixed routes.
A Marshrutka in Sochi
A Marshrutka is a minibus, a shared taxi seen is most of the erstwhile Soviet states. Similar to privately-owned public transportation in many countries, these vehicles operate on fixed routes, picking up and dropping passengers on the way, often waiting until they get full and squeezing more passengers in.
Bus stop
I traveled by Marshrutka on several occasions, in Sochi, in the Golden Ring cities and in St. Petersburg and I loved it (oh my hatred of private taxis and love for crowded public transport!) All these vehicles ran on the honor system – you pay your fare, usually fixed and clearly displayed, on your own. If you don’t know, just ask: Skolka s-menya? (Сколько с меня? / स्कोल्का स् मी्न्या?) meaning “How much from me?” You could even ask other passengers to pass the money to the driver and expect change to come back the same way.
Bus
Marshrutka’s were introduced in Russia in the 1930′s but their presence boomed post liberalization (1990′s) when private ownership of public transport grew. Equivalent vehicles that I have traveled in in other countries are: tuk tuk / tempo (India), Sherut (Isreal) and Collectivo (Peru).
Marshrutka stopping at a bus stop
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We call them tum-tum in Pune.
Hey, somehow the idea of auto-post dissuades me from commenting as I know you’re not here reading comments.
Hope your trip is going fine!
Hi Mahendra,
I know what you mean, hence the hesitation while scheduling posts on my travels. I don’t think I’ll do that anymore…
Oh that is just like the jeepneys in the Philippines! They have fixed routes, and there are signs up front saying where they are going. You pass your fare forward and change comes back. Except that it isn’t a closed vehicle like that, given the different climates.
Yes, the jeepneys! Vehicles in India (including buses and most train coaches) are open too!
I don’t mind commenting on auto posts. Visited here after a long time. As usual it was entertaining to go through several of your photo posts. Lovely pics, and very neat.
Enjoy.
Thanks Nita! Its great to see you here once in a while.
Very cool, you have seen and done so much in your travels, great shots too.
Thanks Bob! Its so fascinating how people live so differently in different places…
[...] Stolovaya No. 17 This post is part of a series of travelogues narrating my trip to Russia. Here are the other posts! « Previous post: Marshrutka [...]
And how is the driving? I’m curious!
I must say that driving is pretty good. Ofcourse nobody will stop for pedestrians even if you are crossing the street, LOL!! But I didn’t feel like praying to Gods to protect my life from the driver… a good sign
In Egypt, there are such ”shared taxis” in Alexandria and Luxor.
Oh cool, I think it offers a great cheap alternative, especially in countries that are not car-intensive.
[...] from St. Petersburg, and we hopped on one early in the morning. This is an ideal one day excursion. Marshrutka (shared van) can be hailed from outside Moskovskaya Metro station and they take about 30 minutes [...]
I can relate to ur love for public transport and hatred for the private. To this day, I prefer giving a lift to fellow travelers on my way to the office as I hate to travel alone.
haha, yes I know some people who do that.. in fact when I was tired, I used to ask strangers (usually bikers) for a ride home!