People rely on public transportation in Russia. Moscow and nearby suburbs are covered with bus, tram and trolley bus routes; metro lines and commuter trains called elektrichki.
Paying for the bus. You need one coupon (talon) for each ride or use a monthly transportation card. Coupons and cards can be bought in some kiosks, in the metro or from bus drivers. As of January 1 2002 a "talon" costs 4 rbls (from a bus driver 5 rbls). See TRAMS (TROLLEYS) and METRO (Subway, Underground) for further information on how to use public transportation, monthly cards, etc.
Hours & Routes. Buses run from 5:00 am to 3:00 am. Early in the morning and late at night they run infrequently.
Bus stops and its routes are denoted by "A" on the side of the street and its routes are usually listed on signs. Note that due to budget cutbacks, some lines have been discontinued.
Express buses. In addition to the regular buses, there are red express buses that go faster, are not crowded, give everybody a seat, leave more frequently, stop upon request and charge higher prices. They tend to follow the most popular routes of the regular buses, leaving from Metro stations and extending out to the suburbs.