Transportation

Taxis are popular forms of transportation in cities. Fares can vary with the company, the time of day and other factors. There are some very honest drivers and some who are not so honest. Quito is the only city where taxis have meters. However, at night, they are turned off, so try to negotiate a price ahead of time. Most drivers will not have change for a $20.

Local buses cost 25 cents (in 2006) and you pay as you board. They are safe enough. Generally, these buses have a fixed route. They have destination placards in their windows and drivers can tell you which bus to take if they are not going to your destination. Routes change often so ask a local. Buses are fairly safe before 9 p.m. However, as always, in a crowded bus, be careful of your belongings.

In Quito, the Trole and Ecovia are very efficient mass transportation systems. They run from north to south (the Trole on Avenida 10 de Agosto and the Ecovia on Avenida 6 de Deciembre) and have an extensive system of "alimentadores" from the north and south stations to neighbourhoods. The fare in 2006 was 25 cents.

Getting around Ecuador by bus is easy. Buses between cities are safe for the most part. Watch your luggage carefully. Timetables of buses change frequently and are not necessarily adhered to. If your luggage is too big to fit in your seat, it will have to go on top or in a luggage compartment. Placing your luggage in a protective sack (like a garbage bag) is a good idea because the compartment can be dirty and the top may not be covered from rain. It it not frequent to have luggage stolen from these places. Vendors often come onto buses to sell snacks, and some buses will stop for meal breaks. There are usually no toilets on board. Take buses with reputable companies and try to avoid night travel if possible.