“Waiting for the bus again?” I asked. Let’s talk about the buses in Saint Petersburg.
Saint Petersburg’s bus network is extensive. It covers almost the entire city. However, the metro is efficient. Tourists don’t often need buses. Buses are useful for places the metro doesn’t reach.
The first bus lines opened in 1907. They connected the city’s two main railway stations. Bus services stopped during the Russian Revolution. The network expanded greatly over the past century. Today, over 3000 vehicles operate on 200 routes. They transport over a million passengers annually.
In 2022, a transportation reform occurred. Marshrutka services were removed. These fixed-route taxicabs were replaced by “social” transport. “Social” transport includes buses, trolleybuses, and trams. Fares are set by the city. Some “social” routes were also abolished. Buses can no longer stop wherever passengers ask.
From 2021 to 2022, transport companies bought new buses. These buses run on CNG or LNG fuel. They are cyan-colored. Equipment includes air-conditioning, validators, and electronic displays. USB chargers are mandatory.
To encourage public transport use, free interchanges were introduced. With a Podorozhnik card, the second trip costs 10 rubles. The third trip is free within 60 minutes. Cash is not accepted on buses of private companies. There are no bus conductors. Drivers do not sell tickets. Passengers pay by tapping their card at the entrance.
The reform began on April 1, 2022. Marshrutka buses were banned on July 15, 2022. West-Service LLC couldn’t replace the older bus stock in time. The company was allowed to operate older stock. The older bus stock was fully replaced by November 15, 2022.
So, next time you ride, remember the journey of Saint Petersburg’s buses. They connect the city and its people. They continue to evolve with the times.