Transport Heaven - Moscow style (Transport in Moscow)

Member Name: moongod

Product:	Transport in Moscow
Date:	11/04/01 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, unique, varied

Disadvantages: Disorganised

Trolleybuses, trams AND buses. Metro and train…Moscow has it all. The huge boulevard-esque avenues allow for up to 12 lanes of traffic either way, with trams and trolleybuses down the middle (or sides!) Infrastructure, what infrastructure? It’s a total free for all, but a fantastic experience. Try it – if you dare.

Life in Moscow is far from dull. My first experience with a trolleybus was when it ground to a halt and the driver got out and tried to push it…with all 40 passengers on board. Eventually he asked us to help! It is accepted as standard that you don’t need to pay on the trolleybuses, trams and buses, although you will need to speak Russian to take these forms of transport. I’m not sure how they fund them! Timetables are non-existent but you’ll get to see parts of town you wouldn’t otherwise.

Fortunately for those less familiar with the native tongue, the extremely reliable Metro system is extensive and cheap. It is possible to buy tickets without knowledge of Russian via handing some money over and gesturing as to how many ‘jetoni’ (plastic tokens) you want to buy. More confusing is that at junctions between lines, the same station on each line has a different name. Also, the beautiful stations only have the names on the central halls and NOT on the platforms, so you have to listen carefully to the tinny announcements at each stop. Alternatively, you can do as the Muscovites do and just recognise each station! Metro trains run every few minutes, so if you get out at the wrong station, you can always jump on the next!

There are no taxis in Moscow. However, you can hail any private car (of which there are many weird and wonderful varieties) willing to take you to where you want to go. You must know Russian, you must be willing to barter them down and don’t do this if you are travelling alone. Other than obvious safety concerns, Russian drivers have
had a lifetime’s harsh training and you’d better hold on!

Summary: