Most Malians get around Bamako on bachees - green vans that have been gutted and lined with narrow benches. Although it takes a bit of time to figure out routes - which for the most part are not marked - this is the cheap and relatively easy way to travel. To catch a bachee you have only to flag it down as it goes by. A young boy is usually hanging out the side of the van watching for your signal. Tell him where you want to get off. Fares are usually 200 FCFA/trip (may be more if crossing the river or going a long way out of the city centre).
Taxis fares are negotiated before getting in and it is best to find out beforehand what you can expect to spend. Bamako taxis are not cheap, but in towns like Ségou, taxis are shared between several passengers and usually cost 200 - 500 FCFA/trip.
