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A marshrutka or marshrutnoe taksi is a privately owned minivan or small bus that follows a fixed route, collecting and depositing passengers anywhere along the way. Anyone who has traveled in the Middle East or Asia will be familiar with the concept, although they are particularly widespread in Russian cities. Visitors may find the network of marshrutki a little too complicated to be worth using in the city center, but they are often the best means of getting to St. Petersburg's suburban attractions, and are the cheapest way to get to/from the city's airports.
The most common are yellow or white Gazelle vans - a Russian knock-off of a Ford Transit - that seat up to fifteen passengers. Route numbers, usually prefixed with the letter 'K', are prominently displayed on the front and side of the bus, often alongside the most important stops along the route. To stop a marshrutka for boarding, stick out your arm in the same way as you would to stop a taxi. The driver is unlikely to stop even at official bus stops unless flagged down. There is no standing room on the typical marshrutka, and most drivers wait until their vehicle is full before setting out, so don't be surprised if one or two pass you by before you get a seat.
In St. Petersburg, although not everywhere in Russia, it is the norm to pay as soon as you have sat down, passing your money to the driver through the passengers in front of you. For this reason, it is best to avoid the seats at the very front of the cabin, otherwise you will find yourself passing money backwards and forwards throughout your journey. Unless you are traveling to the end of the route, you will need to request the driver to stop at your destination. If you have the language skills, then explain exactly where you wish to be dropped. Otherwise, just shout "as-to-na-VI-tye, pa-ZHA-lu-i-sta" - "stop, please!" - when your stop comes into view.
Fares on marshrutki are slightly more expensive than on public buses, but are always less than a dollar within the city, and only slightly more for suburban trips.
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