Getting around in Quito was a very challenging experience for me. It’s been three months since I’ve been here and I still find it difficult to commute by bus around the city. I have to admit I’ve gotten lost a couple of times because one bus company can have more than one bus route. However, these were learning opportunities and little by little I’ve learned my way around Quito.
Also, buses don’t have coin machines where you deposit the fare amount. There is a person who charges the fare. This person is called auxilar, which means "attendant." They also don’t charge you when you hop on the bus, but closer to reaching your destination. For every major bus stop, the auxilar yells out the next stop. This was very odd at first because I was used to using a Metrocard and swiping when taking public transportation.
I believe the bus system is very connected to the Ecuadorian culture. Since the country is so small, it created reliable bus systems for citizens to access different parts of the country easily and cheaply. You can travel all of Ecuador on a bus for a fair price! Those who travel open their mind to new experiences and perspectives.
