Getting around St Petersburg
Monday, 11 Jun 2007 16:36
The Metro (R12 flat fare) is a quick way to cover long distances but can be confusing to use for non-Russians as all the labelling is written in the Cyrillic alphabet.
A better option for shorter distances is to find the appropriate Marshrutka (mini-bus). These squat buses whiz along all major roads on a regular basis and stop to any outright thumb. Average fare is R18, and money is passed to the driver once seated inside, through a human daisy chain if you are not sitting near the driver – a novel experience all of its own.
Cars will also stop on a regular basis to a waved hand, though these are as often driven by locals looking for an easy fare on their way home as by dedicated taxi drivers and, like many things in St Petersburg, prices will often vary wildly for foreigners so agree payment before setting off.
Martin Frimet