Riyadh Transportation Tips by atufft

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: The cheapest way to get around is by the minibus transport that generally starts downtown near the Holy Mosque and Main Souk and then radiates out along main boulevards to the edges of town. The drivers or passengers can speak enough English to help determine which bus to take, but the names are also written in both Arabic and Roman writing in the front window. These rusty wrecks are licensed by the city, but are generally loaded with people to the point of breaking leaf springs. Actually, it was for this reason that I rode them. I enjoyed mixing with the rank and file Saudis and Expatrates from the Asian and Arabic nations. Only men can ride these minivans though. Stand out on the curb and wave to get them to stop, but if you stand in the wrong place or the bus is too full, they won't stop. There are also a fleet of large more slow moving buses that allow women to sit in the rear seats, separated by a rail or sometimes a window pane. These stop at more specific places around the city, and don't go by very often.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: In Riyadh, taxis are commonly referred to as Limos or Limousines, most common way for people to get around the city. All taxis are strictly licensed with driver's ID in the windshield, and cars must be maintained to a reasonably safe standard. So there's really no problem with disreputable or dangerous service here. Gas is cheap, drivers don't usually complain, and the attitudes of the mostly Pakistani and India drivers are generally quite friendly and helpful. Although few cars a dangerous wrecks, some cars are better maintained or newer than others, so I usually flagged one down that appeared to have good brakes, lots of A/C, and no cracks in the windshield. Taxis are everywhere, prices are cheap, and competition keen. For those on a budget though, the buses can be just as adequate and far cheaper still. Only special buses on particular routes accept women passengers, so they must take the taxi. It's safe and acceptable for women to stand on the curb and flag down a taxi in Riyadh. However, most women, expat and Saudi alike, develop a rapport with a driver they trust, and reach an agreement to have the driver waiting for regular errands. Also, it's useful to create a list of several drivers who have cell phones and who can be called upon to make a quick pick-up within a few minutes. Naturally, women who live in compounds have to make arrangements for drivers to enter past security. Women with vehicles must also have a driver, so while gas is cheap, the cost of maintaining a vehicle and driver in Riyadh can be a significant cost.

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