Combi, short for collectivo or small transport van, in which you hop on and then off when you get to your destination. They run everywhere in this area of Mexico and cut down on the number of vehicles and traffic significantly. And they are inexpensive to ride. The bench seats are configured around the interior of the van, so it is easy to enter and exit.

They are primarily used by locals; the gringos prefer taxis. The price of a combi to ride up the hill where I am staying from El Centro is 13 pesos or about 65 cents vs 85 pesos or about $4.25 for a taxi.

I prefer the combis as they allow you to see a bit more of the city versus taking the most immediate route. I’ve got no meeting to go to, so why not. It’s part of living local.

 I’ve learned it takes two combis to get to the airport and two to get to Playa LaRopa across the bay, etc. There is a main combi transfer area (like a bus station) in El Centro, alongside the main highway through Zihuantanejo, where the combis zip quickly in and out for drop offs and pick-ups.

The location they service is written on the front windshield and each location is noted by a different color strip on the side the van. Combi etiquette involves quietly saying buenos dias to the other passengers when you enter, then you take a seat, and you pay the driver when exiting.

On the combi this morning a young woman stepped on breastfeeding a newborn, said buenos dias, and continued to breastfeed till she got off in El Centro, still breastfeeding. So natural and part of everyday life here in Mexico. I wonder if this would happen in the US without someone being appalled, offended, or the woman being arrested as she departed for indecent exposure. 

I’ve grown partial to walking into town from my hillside perch in the mornings and riding the combi back about mid-day to avoid the 170 steps going up in 85-degree temps and humidity.

I think I’ll take the combi home.