With just a few days left before the New Year, Russians are hitting the shops in big numbers to buy those last-minute presents. But with the streets already clogged with traffic, the extra numbers on the roads can cause gridlock.
New Year's shoppers face a travel dilemma – either use the busy public transport system, or be prepared to spend hours sitting in traffic jams. Measures taken by the city authorities in Moscow have so far failed to relieve the city's crippling traffic problems. One Moscow bus company has taken to dressing its staff up in Father Frost suits, to cheer up and even entertain the passengers during the long journeys. However, it is not yet clear to what extent this will soothe the frayed tempers of frustrated Christmas shoppers. Their blue mood is not surprising – just few days are left before the New Year and Russians hit the stores to buy something for their loved ones, spending millions of roubles.