Taxi versus bus

johnboy77 says on Oct 2, 2005, 15:47:

Hi, I am a Canadian in Medellin. The prices of taxis and busses are about the same (Bogota has higher pay, higher real estate costs).

Look to pay 1000 to 1200 pesos per bus trip. Busses are not generally transferable, so if you need 2 bus trips to get to one place, you will pay twice (busses are usually privately owned). I am not sure how the transmillenium works.

Cabs are very cheap, but if you make Colombian money, they are not so cheap. An average hourly rate for a taxi is about 15,000. You will not get a deal by frequently using the same cab. They get paid pretty low as it is, and I doubt they would agree to be locked down to an even shittier deal. 100 blocks.... hmmm maybe 8000 pesos per trip? I don't know... its not that bad.

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Gator says on Oct 2, 2005, 19:24:

Take The Bus... Almost everyone else does, including the wife and I. "I begin teaching at a school in the North end, and hopefully living in Chico (about 100 blocks away)." Just where is the school?? Chico IS in the north end about 20 blocks north of us.

The TransMileno system would be an option depending on the school and your locations.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Rubiazo says on Oct 2, 2005, 19:34:

Hourly rate for taxis is more like 10k to 12k pesos in Bogota.
The transmilenio is a LOT faster than taking a taxi during rush hour, especially if you are going with all the other traffic. Keep that in mind!

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kernow62 says on Oct 3, 2005, 06:12:

Personally I think that for personal safety buses are safer too. I know this is counter to what you may have read. The exception might be after leaving the bus late at night if you have to walk a distance alone, then I might opt for a taxi.

There are plenty of threads that tell the safest manner to phone for a cab so I won't go into all that.

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Rubiazo says on Oct 3, 2005, 09:46:

Late at night you can also take a bus and then just take a taxi for the minimum from where the bus leaves you. My gf and I usually didn't bother though, we are both big fans of walking.
After midnight, you are pretty much forced into taking a taxi.

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Cerealkiller says on Oct 3, 2005, 12:05:

if you are working at a school you might be able to take the school bus yourself. Transmilenio is meant to be a lot faster and better yadda yadda but it gets awfully crowded and you will surely have unpleasant experiences qith people grabbing your butt and stuff. Buses are pretty much the same thing BUT since youll be taking it south-bound in the afternoon then it shouldnt be too bad.
I dont like taxis. I dont reccomend them.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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Rubiazo says on Oct 3, 2005, 12:07:

Hey how come nobody ever grabs MY butt on public transit??

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kernow62 says on Oct 3, 2005, 12:15:

Their hands are too small!

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doolexa says on Oct 3, 2005, 16:22:

Awesome...thank you! That was really helpful everyone. I can't believe the response. Finding out that this "Transmilenio" doesn't pick up from Chico really puts a damper on my residential plans. I don't know where to live anymore. I was planning to rent somewhere between Calle 70 y 93, but if I can't get fast, reliable and safe transportation, I'm not sure anymore. I appreciate the the information.

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kernow62 says on Oct 3, 2005, 19:32:

You will have no trouble finding safe, reliable transportation, the problem is it won't be fast at certain hours of the day.

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Gator says on Oct 3, 2005, 19:50:

doolexa... what "Chico"are speaking of? There is Chico, Chico Norte, Chico Norte II and lll, Chico Rerservado, the south end of several of these are on the TranMilenio. There are also other good neighborhoods on or very close to the TM line in the north end. As kernow62 says, it can get up close and personal during rush hours-it's really standing room only but it damn sure beats fighting the traffic.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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SirTropical says on Oct 3, 2005, 20:35:

knock.. knock Ok, let's see, in order to help you out better, you should tell us whereabouts it's the school and then we could tell you the best options to travel northbound:

1. if you are traveling to the "autopista norte", maybe you can go by using transmilenio... just make sure you have your backpack or purse in front of you at all times.
2. no taxis, no thank you. better off with public transportation . but late at night(930pm - onwards) it's ok to call for a taxi. do not go out and pick up a taxi.. always CALL.
3. autopista norte it's the city only exit to the northern part of the city , sometimes it's jammed and crowded, the Carrera Septima, could prove useful but lacks of efficient public routes and also has ugly timings ( some bus routes takes up to 45 min in between !)
4. if you're male/female or undisclosed, get friendly and popular and you may get a lift for free since we like foreigners so much !!LOL

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Colombiche says on Oct 3, 2005, 20:53:

Take the Transmilenio It will be much faster during rush hour and will cost you less (it has its own dedicated lane so it zooms past the bottlenecks). A taxi is a good alternative if it is later on at night, always call the cab, they will always check for a code so they know you got the right person, and you know you have the right cab because they give you the last 2 numbers of the licence plate when you call for it.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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doolexa says on Oct 4, 2005, 04:29:

from Chico to work... Thank you all. I haven't found a place to rent yet, but I'm looking at either Rosales or somewhere around el Parque de la 93. From either points, I'll need to get all the way up to Calle 170. I don't even know where to pick up a bus schedule that maps out the routes. Do I pay cash, or can you purchase monthly tokens for a cheaper price? I would to get to work for 7am and leave around 3:30, so I hope the buses won't take an eternity in the morning. Some of the members mentioned it would cost 12,000 per trip, so I would be looking at $240 dollars per month on bus fare?

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kernow62 says on Oct 4, 2005, 04:42:

1000/1200 pesos not 12000! I like Rosales a lot. Not sure which bus you would take it is a long ride. Couldn't you live closer to Calle 170?

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Gator says on Oct 4, 2005, 07:21:

I Live... in Rosalas it is an expensive area as is much of the North side-but is is safe, IMHO.. The TransMilenio is a pretty good hike from Rosalas-not too bad going, it's down hill, but coming back up hill is a bitch.
You can buy pre-charged multiple trip cards that act as a declining balance. Just think of a sumway above ground. There are feeder buslins that go to the main stations but I have never really checked them out.

In my area we just grab the buses that run along Carrera 7. Cost, depending if the bus is an ejecutiva or smaller older one and cost is $1000/1200 pesos and a little more after dark.
Transmilino is really jumbo-sized buses that look like two buses that have been stapled together. As unusual as they may be in appearance, they cut the travel time from one end of the city to the other in half. These buses stop every 500 meters or so at designated stops, as opposed to the other outdated buses that stop anywhere they please. To grab a non-TM bus you jst wave it down. City governmewnt is trying to stop this practice by putting in designated stops (without a lot of success).

Here is a web site that gives a lot of info about TransMilenio

http://www.bogota-dc.com/trans/transmil.htm

This one is better and there is a english version but the spanish is more complete
http://www.transmilenio.gov.co/transmilenio/home.htm

It would be very helpful if you could let us know the address of the school.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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anaintheus says on Oct 4, 2005, 10:03:

School Bus Did you already check about taking the school bus to school? This is a very common practice in Colombia, teachers take the bus too, and if it's going to be a long ride (since it has more stops to pick up students) you can probably figure out another stop close to the end of Transmilenio route (Actually is Calle 170, same as where you need to go) I'm sure they'll help you with this at school, you'll save some time and money this way.

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webmanco says on Oct 4, 2005, 10:42:

The Zona Rosa, Rosales, Santa Ana, Chico syndrome Nice places but if people are brain washed by believing that the rest of Bogotá is dangerous, then chances are that visitors will be leaving the country without getting to know Colombia and its people.

It is very smart to play safe, but I will tell you that there are lost of other "safe places" in Bogota other than The Zona Rosa, Rosales, Chico, Santa Ana etc.

Bogotá is growing and new and nice buildings are ready every day, not far from where Doolexa (I assume) will be working there are big supermarkets, El Exito, Carefour, Corabastos Norte, San Andresito Norte, Carulla, and a brand new shopping mall "San Pablo" will open soon.most bilingual colleges, University extensions etc. Anything you want you will find it near by, the Transmilenio, Orgullo Capital, people renting rooms, apartments, sharing etc. As an example on this classified someone is renting a room in a house in Villa del Prado and advertised it as being 5 blocks from transmilenio, so if Doolexa works and lives near the work place much better, IMHO.

Here is a link for more "rental classifieds If don´t want to live too close to the work place then Cedritos is another option. Once Transmilenio star working on Av. Suba then other places will be good options, like Niza Antigua, Las Villas, Colina, Ilarco, Pontevedra, etc.

Want an exclusive area near work?? Ask for San Jose de Bavaria, maybe you don´t even need to take the Transmilenia if so then there are Alimentadores.

Taken from Por el pais que queremos

"Ahora sólo camina unos 10 minutos desde el barrio San José de Bavaria (al norte de la ciudad) hasta donde la recoge un autobús “alimentador” de TransMilenio, que la lleva hasta la terminal más cercana. Después aborda una unidad de transporte rápido y en cuestión de 20 minutos está en su oficina.

Los “alimentadores” enlazan a las comunidades que bordean el centro de Bogotá con las terminales de TransMilenio. El servicio es gratuito desde las 5am.

Ahora vivo más contenta porque el tiempo me rinde y puedo departir más con mi esposo y mis hijos. Llego temprano a la casa y puedo dedicarme a las tareas de los niños”, comentó esta madre de 39 años, quien trabaja en un bufete.

____________________________________________________________________

Rubiazo knew too many places in Bogotá, Suzannyo has been around as well PM them and find out more about other options in Bogotá.




October 21

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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Rubiazo says on Oct 4, 2005, 10:48:

I would recommend you live walking distance to where you work. There are lots of decent middle class neighborhoods in the extreme north. 400k a month can get you something just fine if you negotiate properly. My friend lives on 184th street and it would be a little out of the way for me but absolutely GORGEOUS, and it's still estrato 4, so you dont pay a fortune for utilities.

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doolexa says on Oct 4, 2005, 16:32:

You guys are a life-line! How do I thank you all!! I'm glad you cleared up my inability to read (re: 12k for a bus). That was my mistake, I just realized that was the cost for a taxi. The only reason I'm determined to live in between 70 and 100 is because those are the only places I've visited and feel comfortable with. I'm sure there are many beautiful communities, but I have to arrange a rental from Canada, so I couldn't visit the location beforehand to determine if it's suitable. I read all of your postings, and I am thrilled that you have taken the time to write such detailed responses (some with web links)! Just knowing where the bus lines connect has helped me eliminate Rosales because it seems too complicated a commute. Check for me in the "rentals" section soon because I will have some questions soon. You've been amazing help, and I'll continue to read any additional postings. Muchismas gracias a todos!

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Gator says on Oct 4, 2005, 18:30:

A La Orden. No hay de qué amiga, estoy aquí para servirle.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 4, 2005, 18:50:

Live near the Transmilenio If you are commuting that far, you should really live near the Transmilenio. I say forget about Rosales and live farther away from the hills in Chico, Parque Cabrera or around Parque 93. It's only a couple blocks to the TM from many nice places in those neighborhoods.

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Cerealkiller says on Oct 5, 2005, 10:57:

I agree with Mr Hollywood, you can get really very nice places around avenida 19 between calles 100 and 140... id reccomend amy place between calle 100 and calle 134, close to all ammenities really and still starto 6 if youre looking for that sort of "comfort"
Good luck.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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SirTropical says on Oct 5, 2005, 10:59:

rosales.. yay !! Doolexa, have a look at this website, just select the map search and your choice could be in zones 3 and 4, choose your budget and there you go ( copy and paste) :

http://www.metrocuadrado.com/servlet/co.com.pragma.m2.servlet.Base?PJR_TEMPLATE_NAME=licenciamiento/luqueospina/index.html&company=&usuario=luqueospina

if still have problems PM me, I live in toronto and mightbe able to give you a hand in searching your dream home

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doolexa says on Oct 5, 2005, 14:28:

One step closer... Hello - I'm in Toronto as well, and I've been communicating back and forth all week about possible rentals. I THINK I may have found the perfect place for me. It's located on Calle 88, Avenida 13 I believe. I pray this is close to one of the Transmilenio bus lines. My work is up on Calle 170 #50 (not sure if that means Avenida). I also need to know what kind of questions to ask before securing a contract. My Spanish is okay, but I don't want to forget to ask something important because I can't convey meaning. I'm scared to take that next step just in case the area isn't nice, or if it's far too noisy to sleep. Just a few things running through my head...please help. Thanks!

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Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 5, 2005, 15:51:

That's a great location Calle 88 and 13 is directly adjacent to Parque El Virrey. It's a very nice neighborhood. To get to the Transmilenio would about about a 5 minute walk through the park to Ave. 19. The park is nice and safe.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 5, 2005, 15:52:

# 1 question the first question you should ask is "is there a construction site next door?"

That area has tons of new buildings going up and the last thing you want is constant jackhammers outside your window.

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SirTropical says on Oct 5, 2005, 19:19:

88 & 13 well, you will be living in a nicec neighbourhood.. very close from the "carrera 15", so you can exercise sunday mornings in the "ciclovia", also nearby are "carulla" supermarket and the "clinica del country", plenty of restaurants, small cafes and boutiques, a short stroll to visit the "andino" and "atlantis" shopping malls, lively "zona rosa" 3 blocks away from your place, in general you won't get bored.

on the carrera 15 there are plans to make more effective transit and bus stops, to go to work you should walk to the autopista norte and that's at least 10 minutes walk from where you will be, or less, not sure about that though.

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Gator says on Oct 5, 2005, 20:14:

The TM is on... Avenida 13(Avenida Caracas)and there is a Transmilenio Station, Virrey right there. The neighborhood would be either Chico Norte or Antiguo(that location is right where they meet). Both nice areas and, as SirTropical said, every thing you might need is right there. From the school's address it sound like the Universidad Agaria. Anyway,
you might be in luck, Portal del Norte is the last stop on the TM and is about Calle 172/174 #42.

Good luck

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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