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If you’ve ever taken public transport in Armenia, chances are you’ve encountered a chaotic cocktail of sweat, speed, scent, and sometimes even soul. From fast-paced marshrutkas (minibuses) to stoic Soviet-era trolleybuses, Armenian public transport is a world of its own. And like anything deeply rooted in daily life, it comes with its fair share of stereotypes. So, hop on at the next stop and join us on this cultural ride — seen through the eyes of the Armenian male commuter.
- Only People Who Can’t Afford a Car Use It.
One of the most persistent myths is that public transport is just for those who “can’t do better.” In reality, especially in a traffic-heavy city like Yerevan, people from all walks of life hop on — students, pensioners, office workers, and yes, even ministers (I’ve seen it with my own eyes, though I’m still in denial).
For a man, riding public transport isn’t always seen as cool — unless he cleverly spins it as economically wise. But truth be told, with a 150 AMD fare (less than 50 cents), it’s less about affordability and more about practicality. Plus, while women might be seen as “gracefully modest” for using public transport, men are more often expected to drive. It may be a safer space for a woman than a taxi or a private car. After all, driving a car is not acceptable for all segments of society. - All Minibus Drivers Are in a Hurry.
There’s a common joke that marshrutka drivers must have once been racecar drivers. Navigating through traffic jams, overtaking with millimeter precision, and braking just in time — riding a marshrutka can feel like being in a high-speed video game. While not all drivers fit this mold, the stereotype exists for a reason. Women tend to express discomfort about the speed more freely than men, especially when the driver is younger than them. - No One Talks — Except Grandmothers.
Silent marshrutkas are the norm… unless there’s a grandmother on board. In that case, you may receive an unsolicited critique of your outfit, hear a condensed version of her grandchildren’s life story, or get advice on why you’re not dressed warmly enough. While most passengers keep to themselves, Armenia’s older generation often brings warmth and uninvited life coaching into the mix. Men are generally more reserved in these spaces but often strike up conversations with the driver — especially if seated next to him. - The “Front Seat Rule” for Women.
One of the most invisible unwritten rules in marshrutkas is the invisible barrier around the front passenger seat. While technically open to all, many women avoid sitting there — often for good reason. There’s a strong stereotype that sitting next to the driver is somehow improper or uncomfortable for women, especially if they’re alone or younger. Sometimes the driver, when shifting gears, may accidentally make physical contact with the passenger. That might be why. In heavy traffic, the driver might also get irritated, swear, or just the overall sense of risk might feel heightened in the front. The reasons vary, but the reality remains: the front seat is not for women — or only for the brave ones.
Though this doesn’t apply to all women, and social norms are slowly changing, the notion that “the front seat belongs to men” still persists in many communities. It’s a small but telling example of how traditional gender expectations continue to shape daily life in Armenia — even in the realm of public transport. - Men and Women Should Sit Separately on Long Rides.
Another unwritten rule is that men and women tend to sit apart on longer journeys — often in different rows. This mainly applies to long-distance travel, where people might sleep or relax during the ride, and where modesty — or the temptation of beauty — might come into play. There’s also an unspoken idea that same-gender seating encourages a kind of solidarity and that conversation is easier with someone of the same sex. - Drivers Silently Play ’90s Pop or Armenian Rabiz Music.
Musical taste in public transportation is a universe of its own. One moment it’s Alla Pugacheva, the next — Sayat-Nova, followed by deep-bass rabiz or ‘90s Russian techno. Some drivers even take requests, turning the ride into a mini DJ session, especially on long routes or festive days. Still, if you want to be the one making music requests, you need to read the cultural room — sense how others might react, and aim to earn the respect of all genders and social groups.
The stereotype? Every Armenian public transport vehicle has its own soundtrack. And it’s rarely quiet - Everything’s the Same, Just with Old Soviet Stuff.
Instead of a Conclusion
Public transportation in Armenia is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It reflects a snapshot of the country’s personality — warm, unpredictable, resilient, and sometimes amusingly stereotypical. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, whether you’re heading across town or out of it, marshrutkas offer a domestic, social, and at the same time intimate environment where we explore stereotypes, reinforce or break them, and model to younger generations what it means to live and breath in this small country.
The material was shared by one of the active participants of the tgha-mard platform’s discussion meetings.