Back from the bank by dolmuş. Initially we were a little taken aback by the lack of guarantees re frequency, but no problem - it’s rare to wait more than ten minutes. The only drawback at all is that in our area the route is pretty well circular so that the way home may be rather roundabout - literally. Credit for the inaccurate photo to Wikipedia. Haven’t thought to snap one as we’re hopping in or out, although there is one that lives round the corner from us - or at least gets parked there at night. The photo is inaccurate because the dolmuş in it is left hand drive, which means it’s Turkish. In Türkiye people drive on the right hand side while in Cyprus, both South and North, driving remained on the left after the British left in 1960. Otherwise the vehicle could as easily be from North Cyprus, although if it were the destinations would appear front and back in large letters.
They’re really very responsive. If you’re out walking on a dolmuş route you’re likely to be beeped at lightly as an inquiry. Did you want a ride? Convenient for both driver and would be passengers and no need to rely on official stops. If you’re only out for a walk better to walk on the right hand side of the road if you’re not interested in a lift, but good to know you’re likely to be spotted if you are. And you’ll be put down where you requested as well. Don’t think official stops even exist.
Have guessed that routes were probably a bit flexible according to the needs of the driver and friends and suspicions confirmed this afternoon when the driver makes a detour of three or four blocks to drop off an older woman (well, probably not older than me, but anyway…) at her home. Uneven service maybe, but more responsive and more human than a scheduled city route.
Posts
