Survival Guide - Discover Turkey: Experience the Best of Turkey - page 776

DOLMUŞES & MIDIBUSES
As well as providing transport within cities and towns, dolmuşes run between places. Ask,
'[Your destination] dolmuş var mı?' (Is there a dolmuş to [your destination]?) Some
dolmuşes depart at set times, but they often wait until every seat is taken before leaving.
To let the driver know that you want to hop out, say ' inecek var' (someone wants to get
out).
Midibuses generally operate on routes that are too long for dolmuşes, but not popular
enough for full-size buses.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
BUS
For most city buses you must buy your bilet (ticket) in advance at a special ticket kiosk.
Kiosks are found at major bus terminals and transfer points, and sometimes attached to
shops near bus stops. The fare is normally about " 2.
LOCAL DOLMUŞ
Dolmuşes are minibuses or, occasionally, taksi dolmuşes (shared taxis) that operate on set
routes within a city. They're usually faster, more comfortable and only slightly more ex-
pensive than the bus. In larger cities, dolmuş stops are marked by signs; look for a 'D' and
text reading ' Dolmuş İndirme Bindirme Yeri' (Dolmuş Boarding and Alighting Place).
Stops are usually conveniently located near major squares, terminals and intersections.
METRO
Several cities now have underground or partially underground metros, including İstanbul,
İzmir, Bursa and Ankara. These are usually quick and simple to use, although you may
have to go through the ticket barriers to find a route map. Most metros require you to buy
a jeton (transport token; around " 2) and insert it into the ticket barrier.
TAXI
If your driver doesn't start his meter, mention it right away by saying ' saatiniz' (your
meter). Check your driver is running the right rate. The gece (night) rate is 50% more than
the gündüz (daytime) rate, but some places, including İstanbul, do not have a night rate.
Some drivers, particularly in İstanbul, try to demand a flat payment from foreigners. In
this situation, drivers sometimes offer a decent fare; for example to take you to an airport.