Visit Nizhny 2008

Our main public transportation in Nizhny Novgorod is bus. For the past few years, I can see some improvement and changes regarding this. Since 2006, new type of bus/ avtobus was introduced to the locals. 'Bas besar', 'the big bus' or 'bus hijau' as we call it, is bigger with more space for standing, but (unfortunately) less seats.

In 2006, the service was limited and infrequent. But now, after 2 years, the number of these buses are increasing with more routes to offer. Good thing is students can get monthly bus pass to save their rubles, with the price of 150rub. Perhaps one day, big buses will totally replace the traditional smaller sardin-packed mashrutnoe taksi.

However, taking bus in Nizhny Novgorod require ones to have a special skill. Sometimes, you need to take more than one bus to get to your desired destination, be it Pediatric Hosp, ННИТО (Trauma Hosp), Hosp No. 13 etc.... Sometimes, the bus is REALLY packed, like a tin of San Hose with 4 or 5 sardines in it. You need to cram in, or else will be late to class and being teacher's favourite student (uhuk..uhuk...).

No worries, as an experienced Nizhnian (hehe), here are some guides:
1. Acquaint yourself with more than one bus to the desired destination. Changing 3 buses, sometimes is better and even faster.
Eg: rather than waiting for 68 to Hosp No. 13, try to take any buses to Zhukova Square and take 77 to Hosp No. 13.

2. Use your physical advantage:
a) small (read: cute) person like me: try to 'menyelit-nyelit' between those tall and huge Russians.
b) bigger (tougher??) : try to push the Russians (Russians, not your fellow Malaysians...hehehehe)

3. Be like bird. Early bird catches worm. So, wake up early.

Here is something for you. It's in ruski izik. Check it out: http://www.transp.nnov.ru/auto/routes

Last but not least, enjoy your student life in Nizhny Novgorod. Yeah!!