I go to Chisinau quite often, either for business or pleasure, and I can take a direct, two-hour-long rutierra ride for 100 lei, or six dollars. At the garas (bus stations), drivers stand like hawkers and shout their destinations and departure times. One can either pay a driver directly with cash or go to the casa (ticket counter) and buy a ticket with a card. The rutierras can be fun, and they are a great way to see rural Moldova. I have had many pleasant conversations with other people riding the rutierras.
In a country where many people rely on public transportation, it is important to have a system that is cheap and fairly reliable. However, in Moldova generally, things can be inefficient and often late, which is certainly reflected in the public transportation system. Therefore, a degree of flexibility is required. It is important to stay level-headed and not get frustrated by inconveniences. Moldovans have realistic expectations of public services in their country and have reluctantly accepted the occasional difficulties of everyday life.
