Dolmuş

In Turkey and Northern Cyprus, dolmuş (pronounced [doɫmuʃ][1]) are share taxis that run set routes within[2] and between[1] cities.

A row of dolmuş vans

Background

Their name is derived from Turkish for "seemingly stuffed" referencing the fact that in days past these taxis were often filled to the brim.[3] They depart from the terminal only when a sufficient number of passengers have boarded.

In some cities dolmuş are only allowed to board and disembark passengers at designated stops or at terminals;[1] in less busy locations passengers may board anywhere along the route. In fact, a dolmuş with empty seats may slow to a crawl in the hopes of picking up a few more riders.[3]

A foreign passenger described the ride as being "terrifying, awe-inspiring, confusing, incomprehensible, charming, hospitable and alien", and those unfamiliar with them may be surprised by the speed of dolmuş travel.[4]

In Turkey the vehicles used are often brand-new minibuses,[3] but in some parts of Cyprus – as of 2009 – aging Mercedes-Benz stretch limos serving as dolmuş can still be seen.[5]

Regulations
An Otokar M-2000 dolmuş

In Turkey the industry is regulated. Despite the meaning of their name, laws prevent these minibuses from becoming too crowded.[3] In Turkish controlled Northern Cyprus, dolmuş routes are leased and vehicles are licensed.[5]

See also

References
  1. "Turkish Dolmus Taxi or Minibus". turkeytravelplanner.com.
  2. "WHAT'S DOING IN ANKARA". The New York Times. April 5, 1981.
  3. "Getting Around in Fethiye - The Dolmus". turkeysforlife.blogspot.com. 3 April 2010.
  4. "Dolmuş story". Hürriyet. 2010-01-19.
  5. Bus Services in North Cyprus essentialcyprus.com, January 28, 2009 Archived August 23, 2010, at the Wayback Machine


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