For this past month, the word TRUFI has become synonymous with traveling. These large, white vans can be used to take you everywhere and anywhere you could possibly want to go in Cochabumba. When I realized they could be hailed just like taxis, it brought me back to my life in Philly for a brief moment. I got so excited to hail one….and then I got in one….
TRUFI’s are NOT like the taxis in the states for many reasons…
Rule #1– The drivers only stop if they want to. Sometimes, there legitimately won’t be room for anyone else in the cab. But, other times, they will just drive right past you to get to where they are going even if there is space to fit more people. Then, you have the drivers that do not understand personal space. They will continuously pick people up until someone is hanging out the open door. (these drivers make the most money of course)
Rule #2 – The rules of the TRUFI game are simple. There are brightly colored signs in the front of every TRUFI to let you know what places that specific TRUFI will stop at. If you want to go, you hail that TRUFI and that TRUFI only. God forbid you hail the wrong TRUFI accidentally because they will yell at you and speed off. Make no mistakes when hailing the right TRUFI!
Rule #3 – Animals are most definitely allowed to accompany you on a TRUFI. If the animals happen to be guinea pigs (used for dinner) that is even more acceptable.
Rule #4 – Any form of food is allowed on the TRUFI as well. This means if you want to purchase all of your groceries for the month, you will be able to pack them into the TRUFI as long as you can eventually take them all out with you.
Rule #5 –Quechua women (the traditional dressing women) are always allowed to bring their babies on to the TRUFI even if this means two or three have to sit on your lap.
Rule #6 – There are no rules about body odor. You are allowed to smell as bad as you want. In fact, it is encouraged to smell horrible in order to fit in. I would recommend stepping in dog fesses before entering the TRUFI.
Rule #7 – The driver can decide to change his agenda at any time and kick you off at any time.
Rule #8 – There is no meter to determine how much you pay. As you become more acquainted with the system, you begin to figure out the prices and how they vary. But, even if one driver charges you one boliviano, this does not mean every driver going to the same place has to charge you one boliviano. He can charge you one, or one-twenty or even one fifty if he thinks he can get away with it.
Rule #9 – You may never, under any circumstances, start your own TRUFI route! If you interfere with the TRUFI system in any way, you WILL be stoned! (people will throw rocks at your face…I was a witness)
Rule #10 – Burping is NOT allowed on the TRUFI. If you decided to burp out loud, you will receive dirty stares from EVERY passenger!
Rule #11 – The driver makes all the rules so they are subject to change at any time according to the driver’s discretion. End of story.
