The name dolmuş is derived from Turkish for "seemingly stuffed", in reference to how the vehicles were often filled to the brim.[3] At some locations they depart from the terminal only when a sufficient number of passengers have boarded.
In some cities, dolmuşlar are only allowed to board and disembark passengers at designated stops or terminals.[1] In less busy locations, passengers may board anywhere along the route. In fact, a dolmuş with empty seats may slow down to pick up more passengers.[3] In some cities, to prevent extremely slow travel, intermediate stop timings of dolmuşlar are regulated more like a regular bus on a latest allowable arrival basis.
A foreign passenger described the ride as being "terrifying, awe-inspiring, confusing, incomprehensible, charming, hospitable and alien", and those unfamiliar with them may be surprised by the speed of dolmuş travel.[4]
In Turkey the vehicles used are often brand-new minibuses,[3] but in some parts of Cyprus – as of 2009[update] – aging Mercedes-Benzstretch limos serving as dolmuşlar can still be seen.[5]
In Turkey the industry is regulated under an apportionated registration scheme. Despite the meaning of their name, laws prevent these minibuses from becoming too crowded.[3] In İzmir and some other cities, standing passengers are not allowed; in İstanbul and some other cities, they are. In Turkish controlled Northern Cyprus, dolmuş routes are leased under an apportionated registration scheme and vehicles are licensed.[5]
