... is definitely an interesting adventure every time.
There are four different ways of getting around in the city, other than walking. First of all we have what are called "Micros," which are as close to buses as you get, except they're much smaller than the ones you see in Canada. Except for they look hilarious, they're all either bright red, blue, green, yellow, orange, or a combination of the above. To the right is a picture of one.
Next we have "Truffis" which to me seem to be pretty much the same as Micros, but go on different routes. Go figure. First, however, they're not as funny looking, and they only hold about fifteen people instead of like 20. Huge difference. Well here's a picture of one.Okay. After the Truffis, we have Taxi Truffis, which are taxis that run along set routes, the same as the Truffis. You can ride them as long as you like for only 1.50 bolivianos, but a lot of the time you have to share with other people. It's kind of weird.
Then there's also normal taxis, which in comparison are really boring.
Another thing I haven't really gotten used to is the fact that buses, taxis, and truffis all honk at people to inquire whether or not they want to get on. There are no actual bus stops, you just stick your arm out like you're hailing a taxi when the bus you want comes along. Or they'll honk at you anyways.
1 comment:
In Chile, taxi truffis are referred to as taxi collectivos, or collective (shared) taxis. I thought they were a great idea. They are faster than a bus (they don't stop if full, and they bob and weave in the traffic, which busses can't do). They are cheap because they are shared. You hail them like a cab, so don't need to find bus stops (Cochabamba might not have bus stops, but other towns do). They drive set routes, so it's impossible to get taken a lengthy cost-increasing route as taxis can do. They can run on routes with very few people where busses are just too big. I suggested them for use in Calgary, but the City liked the local shuttle bus idea better.
I also liked the various types of busses, too. You can get beat up old school busses, beat up old Greyhound type busses, fancier transit busses -- if it's on wheels and carrs more than 10 people, it's used.
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