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13 Tips for Using City Buses in Cuenca, Ecuador

Car ownership can be complicated and somewhat expensive in Ecuador so, like many other expats, we have had to adapt to a car-less lifestyle. In a previous post, I covered how to use taxis in Cuenca.

Many expats in Cuenca do not own cars. One thing that makes a car-free life style possible in Cuenca is the extensive city bus system.  There are around 475 city buses that crisscross the city from early morning until about 10p.m.

If you are like me, I had never used public transportation before moving to Ecuador.  Taking the bus is now a part of our daily routine.

7 Tips for Using Buses in Cuenca, Ecuador

Knowing a few basic rules of the road will make taking the bus easy and painless for newly arrived expats.

  1. cuenca-bus-systemBus Stops: Bus stops here are usually, but not always, clearly marked by a white on blue street sign that reads “Parada de Bus”.  If you see a group of people standing by the road, chances are that it is a bus stop, even if there is no sign visible.  The bus will not stop for you unless you wave or gesture to the driver. Enter the bus as quickly as possible since some drivers have been known to take off while the last passenger is still trying to climb aboard.
  2. Bus routes: How can one determine which bus to take?  There are published bus routes available.  A booklet containing the city bus routes can be obtained at the tourist information office called i-tur located just off of the Parque Calderon in downtown Cuenca.  However, buses often have to make detours due to the constant street work in Cuenca, so the published routes may or may not be 100% accurate. If you are in doubt about which bus to take, ask a neighbor or storekeeper.  They will be happy to help educate you about which bus to take, provided that they can understand your gringo accented Spanish.
  3. Cost: It cost .25 cents for a one-way bus ride.  Normally a rechargeable bus card can be purchased that works with card readers installed on the buses.  However, lately, the bus cards have not been working due to a problem with the bus card recharging system. For the present, all riders have to pay with quarters.  The drivers generally only accept exact change.  The card readers are supposed to be working again in a month or so.
  4. Hang on! Riding the city buses requires a certain amount of agility since they often take off rather abruptly and stop without warning.  If you are trying to juggle shopping bags as you enter the bus, you can lose your balance and stumble if you are not anticipating the sudden jerk of the bus as it pulls off from the bus stop.  There are handrails and grab handles on the buses, so it is best to keep your hands free so that you can hang on as the bus lurches from stop to stop.
  5. Dismount: When you are nearing your desired stop, you will need to approach the back door and signal your desire to stop by pressing a button located near the rear exit.  The bus will only stop at designated bus stops, so don’t get upset if the bus does not stop immediately after you press the stop button.  Exit the bus as quickly as possible.  Bus drivers can be impatient and start rolling even while passengers are trying to exit the bus.
  6. Passenger etiquette: The first two rows of seating on the buses are usually reserved for the disabled, the elderly or for expectant mothers.  If an older person enters a full bus, it is generally expected that younger passengers will give up their seats, although such courtesy is becoming less common.
  7. Personal safety: Thieves sometimes prey on unsuspecting passengers on crowded buses. Keep your personal belongings in sight at all times and do not flash expensive electronic devices or leave backpacks or purses open.  If you notice someone staring at you on the bus, don’t be alarmed.  They are probably just trying to figure out why a “rich” gringo is riding the bus. I personally choose to avoid riding buses after dark.  A taxi is a better alternative after sundown.

cuenca-bus-system

Using the public transportation system in Cuenca is a convenient, inexpensive, and generally safe alternative for expats who choose to live without a car.

At first, taking the bus can be a little intimidating for new expats, but after a while, you will be hailing buses like a pro and will learn to appreciate the freedom that comes with not owning a car.

cuenca-bus-system
The following is a post by our daughter, Drew Haines that she wrote back in March 2013.

Cool Things About Buses in Ecuador 

I like the buses in Ecuador. Before we got a car, we used buses all the time.

I liked standing up on them, although I hardly ever did. Dad wouldn’t let me because it was kind of dangerous.

They were really bouncy!

buses-cuenca-ecuador
You know how a bus isn’t allowed to stop unless you’re at a bus stop? Not here! Sometimes the driver will stop when you are not at a bus stop.

And sometimes he wouldn’t stop if you are at a stop! I find that funny, they sometimes do the opposite.

Ready, Set, RACE!

At times, bus drivers race with each other  No, not to see who can pick up the most passengers the fastest. To see who can finish the route first. It’s very neat to watch, but kind of annoying if you’re trying to get a bus :).

cuenca-ecuador-bus

6 More Tips for Taking the Bus in Ecuador

  1. Always wear your purse (or backpack) in front on the buses.
  2. Keep your zippers zipped, so no one can take a dipping. 🙂
  3. Get off the bus quickly, once I waited and had to jump off a moving bus! So hold your parent’s (or your child’s) hand and get off quickly.
  4. Sit on the outside of a row, that way you can get up easily.
  5. If you are standing up, keep your knees slightly bent and hold on. You can keep your balance better that way.
  6. Be careful where you are stepping. Once I almost stepped on a bag with live guinea pigs in it!

ecuador-bus-Entrada
Buses can get pretty crowded so be careful and do what you can not to get pick-pocketed. It has never happened to us but is not uncommon. Check out more Ecuador travel tips.

I hope you enjoyed my bus post! Happy Travels!

Christopher King

Saturday 26th of March 2016

Great piece and a great introduction to Cuenca's bus system that covers all the basics of riding the local buses. The TranVia light rail system construction is in full swing having progressed to 24/7. They'd been optimistically projecting the construction would be finished by July 2016 and after testing, taking passengers by the fall of 2016. However, there were about three months of little to no progress on construction when several government dispersals of money for the project were missed. Finally, some private retailers came forward with a loan to help get the construction in front of their stores completed and the government came through with a large payment, so as of March 1, the crews are out there working all day and all night. The city of Cuenca haven't put out any maps for the local buses in about three years and likely won't until after the completion of the TranVia. Until then, I turned a personal mapping project into an atlas of 28 of Cuenca's local bus lines and created a website for members where I'm posting updates as I get them. I've ridden them all multiple times so if you ever have any questions about getting around in Cuenca using the buses, I'm happy to help!

Steve

Tuesday 22nd of March 2016

I've read in several places that Cuenca is building a light rail or tram system. Is that the case? If so, when is it due for completion?

Jane Goodman

Saturday 9th of May 2015

I don't believe you mentioned the senior discount! SInce my husband and I are over 65 we can ride for 25 cents for both of us!

Lee

Saturday 20th of September 2014

It helps to have someone show you the ropes. And yes hang on tight. We bought the Tarjeta Prepargo (bus card). Works great for not needing the have change all the time.

Jim Cohoon

Tuesday 2nd of August 2011

We got stuck on Gran Columbia near SuperMaxi waiting for the #16 at around 6:00 p.m. We gave up and took a taxi who charged us $5.00. Still lots to learn.