Taxis

Taxis play a vital role in the transportation system of Qum, offering convenient and affordable travel options for residents and visitors alike. As one of the largest cities in Iran, Qum experiences a high volume of traffic, making taxis a popular choice for getting around the city easily. There are two main types of taxis; private (dar bast, literally ‘closed door’) or shared, which, as the name suggests, is a cab one shares with other people, much like carpooling.

Private Taxis

Yellow Cabs

These taxis stand out for their distinctive yellow colour and are commonly found near the shrine. They are generally considered reliable as they must be registered to operate, although they tend to be pricier compared to other options. One significant advantage of yellow cabs is their license to access restricted roads, allowing them to transport passengers closer to their destination or within a shorter timeframe. Additionally, drivers of these cabs typically possess good knowledge of the city’s roads and can navigate to the destination competently.

Taxi fares in Qum are generally affordable, especially when compared to Western countries. However, it’s essential for passengers to familiarise themselves with the local pricing system to avoid overpaying. Unlike in some cities where taxis use meters, fares in Qum are typically negotiated upfront. It’s customary to agree on a price with the driver before starting the journey, and passengers should be prepared to haggle to ensure a fair rate.

Radio Taxis

Similar to yellow cabs, these taxis are registered and can be summoned by dialling 133 from any landline or mobile. The operator will request the pickup and destination addresses and provide an approximate waiting time. Upon arrival, the driver typically signals by honking the horn. With these taxis however, the driver will inform the passenger of the fare upon arrival at the destination. Women have the option of calling an all-women radio taxi by dialling 321 000. The operator and the driver of the taxi will both be female, although the waiting times are usually longer.

Local Telephone Taxis

Every area in Qum has several taxi agencies, each operating between two and four private cars. Residents can register with these agencies by providing their address and telephone number, after which a customer number (ishtirak) is assigned. Similar to Radio Taxis, the operator will request the destination addresses (default pickup address would be the one registered) and provide an approximate waiting time. However, during peak hours, it can be challenging to secure a cab and one may experience longer waiting times.

Taxi Apps

One of the most common and convenient ways to secure a more affordable cab nowadays is through ride-hailing services. Several apps similar to Uber are available, with Snapp and Tapsi being the most common. The advantages of these apps include the ability to know the price in advance and thereby, avoid haggling with the driver. Additionally, users have several additional options such as adding second destinations or arranging return journeys. However, it’s important to input the origin and destination accurately to ensure the driver knows where to go. Credit can be added to the app account in advance through a bank card, allowing users to pay the driver without the need for cash on hand.

Unmarked Vehicles

In addition to the above options, some individuals may offer rides in unmarked cars. However, these options are generally less reliable and potentially less safe — especially for women traveling alone — as they may not be licensed or regulated. Additionally, some drivers may offer rides as ‘salawati’ which means free with a request to recite salawat or other prayers for the driver. This is often done with the intention of performing a good deed, and since the driver is likely heading in the general direction of the destination anyway.

Shared Taxis

Shared taxis, known locally as taxi khutoot (route taxis), are a popular mode of transportation in Qum. These taxis typically consist of small cars and operate on fixed or semi-fixed routes without timetables, but instead departing when all or most seats are filled. Passengers share the taxi with others who are traveling in the same direction, making it a cost-effective option for short to medium distance travel.

The process of using a shared taxi is straightforward. Passengers can wait at designated taxi stands, usually located near busy intersections or transportation hubs, where shared taxis regularly pass by. Alternatively, they can flag down a passing shared taxi along its route as the driver can stop anywhere along the way to drop off or pick up additional passengers. Shared taxis operate on fixed fares, which are lower than those of private taxis but higher than public buses (around 20 cents per single journey). Payment is normally made in cash directly to the driver any time before reaching, or at the destination.

Shared taxis offer several advantages. They provide a relatively quick and convenient means of transportation, as they follow certain routes and can pick up and drop off passengers at any location along the way. They also tend to be faster than public buses since they do not make frequent stops.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Shared taxis can become full, especially during peak hours, which may not be suitable for passengers who prefer more personal space. They are also used by all members of society which means men and women may end up sitting beside each other. Additionally, the fixed routes may not always align perfectly with passengers’ destinations, requiring some walking or additional transportation to reach final destinations. Despite these limitations, shared taxis remain a popular choice for many students due to their affordability, convenience, and accessibility.