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Odessa |
Crimea |
Western
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Metro
The jewel of the transport system, the metro is both cheap
and efficient. While traffic snarls vehicles above ground,
underground trains deliver passengers in a more timely and
reliable fashion. And thought-provoking Soviet designs inside
stations help pass the time away waiting for the next train.
Life isn't perfect, though, and neither is the metro. Personal
space can become alarmingly tight at almost any time of
the day, but especially at rush hour and at night when trains
run less frequently. One ride costs 1,70 hryvnya, for which
you receive a green/blue plastic token to insert into a
machine. Wait a second for the red light to turn green so
the jaws of death don't maim you, and proceed on your merry
way. Tokens can be bought from cashier windows, or many
stations have 10Hr bill machines which dispense the appropriate
number of tokens. Monthly passes are also available through
the first of the month from the same windows and also street
kiosks.
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Trolleybuses, trams and buses
These are favoured by schoolchildren, the working classes and babushkas
and dedushkas. They won't get you anywhere in a hurry, but they
do provide an intriguing look into everyday Ukrainian life. Single
tickets for trolleys, trams and buses cost 1,50 hryvnya. They can
be purchased from street kiosks near stops or from conductors on
board. Sometimes there is no conductor, in which case you can buy
a ticket from the driver. You should immediately validate your ticket
using one of the many punching gadgets around you. If not, you risk
being intimidated by not one but two roaming inspectors into paying
the 40 Hr fine. All tickets are good for only one journey, and monthly
passes can be bought at kiosks.
Microbuses and minivans
All forms of transit make scheduled stops except for micro buses
and minivans. These privately-owned route taxis are called marshrutkas
(Маршрутки), meaning they can stop anywhere along their specified
route. Just flag it down as you would a taxi, then tell the driver
where to let you out when you've had enough. Many run the same routes
as trolleys or buses and use the same numbers. Otherwise, try to
read the main stops posted on the vehicle's windshield or side window
before it speeds by you. Fares are paid on board and are usually
from 2Hr to 2,75 Hr. You don't have to punch your ticket, and there
are no monthly passes.
Funicular
Since 1905, Kyiv's funicular has carried passengers between Podil
on the bank of the Dnipro and the heights of Mykhailivs'ka ploscha.
However, it offers not only a means of getting from one place to
another, but also a rising panoramic view of the Dnipro River and
the forested Left Bank. Compare this sightseeing opportunity with
Kyiv's other modes of public transportation, such as the metro.
After perusing the art and souvenirs of Andrew's Descent, you may
want to forego "Andrew's As cent" and return via the funicular.
Catch the funicular behind St. Michael's Cathedral, and across from
Poshtova ploscha metro. Fares are 1,50 hryvnya for adults, and children
under seven ride for free.
Ticket prices. Hr.
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