Transport - Iran - page 696

Shuttle taxis travel between major meydans (squares) and along main roads, so the key
to using them is to learn the names of the meydans along your intended route. There is a
certain art to finding a shuttle taxi going your way. Start by stepping onto the road far
enough for the driver to hear you shout your destination, but close enough to the kerb to
dash back in the face of hurtling traffic. If the driver has a spare seat, he will slow down
for a nanosecond while you shout your one-word destination - usually the name of a mey-
dan . If he's going your way he'll stop.
When you want to get out simply say kheili mamnun (thank you very much) or make
any other obvious noise. Pay during the trip or when you get out; drivers appreciate exact
change.
The government-regulated fares range from a few cents for short trips to a couple of
dollars, depending on the distance, the city (Tehran is the most expensive) and the traffic.
Try and see what other passengers are paying before handing over your money.
If you get into an empty shuttle taxi, particularly in Esfahan and Tehran, it might be as-
sumed you want to charter it privately. Similarly, if everyone else gets out the driver might
decide you are now a private fare. Clarify what you want by saying dar baste (closed
door) or nah dar baste.
NAH DAR BASTE!
If you hail an empty taxi the driver will probably think you want to hire it privately. He might ask you: 'Dar baste?
', which literally means 'Closed door?', or perhaps ' agence? ' If you want to share, then make your intentions clear
by leaning in and telling him simply 'Nah dar baste', or 'No closed door'. He'll soon let you know if he's interested
or not.
When trying to hail a shuttle taxi, don't bother with anything along the lines of 'Iran
Hotel, on the corner of…': the driver will have lost interest after the word 'hotel', picked
up someone else and be halfway there before you know it. Use a major landmark or a
town square as a destination, even if you are getting off before then. Shout it quickly and
loudly: 'FeDOSe!' will do for Ferdosi St or Sq; similarly, 'eHESHTe!' for Beheshti St or
Sq; and so on. The driver will either ignore you, or give you a quick beep on the horn and
pull over for half a second while you leap in.