Minibus Tarkov: Mark Yellow Buses & Get Rewards Fast

The Minibus task in Escape from Tarkov requires marking three yellow minibuses on Interchange and extracting safely. It’s a level 24 Ragman task with specific locations and valuable rewards.

What is the Minibus Task in Escape from Tarkov?

The Minibus task is a quest given by the trader Ragman (Arshavir Sarkisovich Abramyan) in Escape from Tarkov. This task becomes available once you reach level 24 and requires you to locate and mark three yellow minibuses on the Interchange map using MS2000 Markers. After marking all three buses, you must successfully extract from the location with a “Survived” status to complete the quest.

Ragman explains the task by stating that he needs to deliver items frequently and carrying everything himself is no longer practical. He mentions that all vehicles stopped working after an EMP strike during the conflict, and only vehicles from outside can still run. He asks you to mark yellow minibuses at the Interchange parking lot so his mechanics can examine them in detail.

Task Requirements and Objectives

Before starting the Minibus task, make sure you meet these requirements:

• Player level must be at least 24
• You need three MS2000 Markers (purchasable from Prapor)
• Access to the Interchange map

The specific objectives for this task are:

1. Mark the first yellow minibus with an MS2000 Marker on Interchange
2. Mark the second yellow minibus with an MS2000 Marker on Interchange
3. Mark the third yellow minibus with an MS2000 Marker on Interchange
4. Survive and extract from the location

It’s recommended to keep your MS2000 Markers in your secure container or special slots to prevent losing them if you die during the raid. If you do happen to die while the green text is on your screen from planting a marker, you will need to return and replant that specific marker. However, any previously planted markers will remain saved.

Locations of the Three Yellow Minibuses on Interchange

Finding all three minibuses can be challenging, especially since two of them are located in the underground parking garage, which can be confusing to navigate. Here’s a detailed breakdown of where to find each minibus.

First Minibus Location

The first yellow minibus is located in the storage container lot on the southwest side of the ULTRA mall, near the OLI side. This area is surrounded by a blue fence and is relatively easy to find. The minibus is positioned in the very back left part of this compound. If you’re familiar with this area, it’s where the 21WS key is used.

To reach this location:

1. Go to the front parking lot of the ULTRA mall
2. Look for the tall ULTRA mall sign
3. Find the blue-fenced area nearby
4. Enter the compound and go to the back left section
5. Approach the yellow minibus and place your MS2000 Marker

Second Minibus Location

The second minibus is located in the underground parking garage of the ULTRA mall. This area can be difficult to navigate as it’s essentially a large maze.

To reach the second minibus from the first one:

1. Exit the blue-fenced compound the same way you entered
2. Take a right at the edge of the blue fence
3. Run along the right-hand side of the wall of the ULTRA mall
4. Enter the first entrance to the parking garage
5. Immediately take a left
6. Continue straight until you reach a hole in the ceiling (this hole leads up to the Generic store)
7. The second minibus will be on your right near the Safe Room Exfil

This yellow minibus is easily distinguishable and serves as a good landmark. If you’re already inside the mall, you can simply head toward the hole in the ground near Avokado, go through it, take a left turn immediately after reaching the basement, and you’ll see the bus in front of the Safe Room Exfil entrance.

Third Minibus Location

The third minibus is also in the underground parking garage, not far from the second one.

To reach the third minibus from the second one:

1. From the second minibus (near Safe Room Exfil), head back toward the hole in the ceiling
2. Walk past the hole
3. Take a left turn immediately after the hole
4. Walk a short distance to find the third yellow minibus near a loud generator

This location is in section C of the western parking garage, close to the hole in the wall that connects the western and eastern parking garages.

Extraction Strategy After Marking All Minibuses

After marking all three minibuses, you need to successfully extract from Interchange to complete the task. There are several extraction options depending on your position and preferences.

No Backpack Extract Option

If you’re specifically doing only this task and want a quick extraction after marking the third minibus, the No Backpack extract is a convenient option:

1. After marking the third minibus, look for a hole on the right-hand side
2. Go through that hole
3. Run in a straight line until you’re outside
4. The No Backpack extract will be on your left-hand side

Remember that to use this extract, you must not be wearing a backpack. If you brought one into the raid, you’ll need to discard it before extracting.

Other Extraction Options

If you prefer to keep your backpack or want to complete additional tasks on Interchange, you can use any of the standard extraction points:

• Emercom Checkpoint (southeast corner)
• Railway Exfil (northeast corner)
• Power Station (requires power to be turned on)
• Saferoom Exfil (requires you to turn on power and use a specific key)

Choose the extraction point that’s closest to your position after marking the third minibus or that aligns with any other objectives you have on the map.

Rewards for Completing the Minibus Task

Upon successfully completing the Minibus task, Ragman will grant you several valuable rewards:

Experience and Reputation

• +13,800 EXP
• Ragman Reputation +0.03

Monetary Rewards

The amount of roubles you receive depends on whether you have an Intelligence Center in your hideout:

• 50,000 Roubles (without Intelligence Center)
• 52,500 Roubles (with Intelligence Center Level 1)
• 57,500 Roubles (with Intelligence Center Level 2)

Item Rewards

• 1× ANA Tactical Beta 2 Battle backpack

Unlocks

Completing this task also unlocks:

• The Stranghogg plate carrier craft on Lavatory Level 2
• The OTV body armor purchase option on Ragman Loyalty Level 2

These unlocks provide access to better gear, making the task worthwhile beyond just the immediate rewards.

Tips for Successfully Completing the Minibus Task

Completing the Minibus task efficiently requires some preparation and strategy. Here are some helpful tips to increase your chances of success.

Preparation Before the Raid

1. Bring the right equipment: Ensure you have at least three MS2000 Markers. It’s wise to bring an extra one in case you make a mistake.
2. Secure your markers: Place your MS2000 Markers in your secure container to prevent losing them if you die.
3. Choose appropriate gear: Since you’ll be moving through both outdoor and indoor areas, including the potentially dangerous underground parking garage, bring appropriate weapons and armor. A weapon with a flashlight attachment is particularly useful for the dark underground areas.
4. Study the map: Familiarize yourself with the Interchange map, particularly the underground parking garage layout, before attempting this task.
5. Consider raid timing: The beginning of a raid can be chaotic with many players rushing to high-loot areas. Consider waiting a few minutes before heading to the minibus locations or choose a less populated server.

During the Raid

1. Move cautiously: The underground parking garage can be a hotspot for both PMCs and Scavs. Move carefully and listen for footsteps.
2. Use your flashlight sparingly: While necessary in dark areas, your flashlight can give away your position to other players.
3. Be aware of planting time: When placing an MS2000 Marker, you’ll be vulnerable for a few seconds. Make sure the area is clear before starting the planting animation.
4. Remember your progress: If you die after marking one or two buses, those markers will remain placed. You’ll only need to mark the remaining buses on your next attempt.
5. Choose the safest extract: After marking all three buses, evaluate which extraction point is likely to be the safest based on the time left in the raid and your current position.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Getting lost in the parking garage: The underground area can be confusing. Use landmarks like the hole in the ceiling near Generic and the loud generator to orient yourself.
2. Encountering other players: If you encounter other players while trying to complete this task, consider avoiding conflict if possible. The primary goal is to mark the buses and extract safely.
3. Time management: Ensure you have enough time to mark all three buses and reach an extraction point before the raid ends.
4. Scav threats: Be aware that Scavs can spawn in the underground parking garage. Listen for their voice lines and be prepared to defend yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Minibus Task

What level do I need to be to start the Minibus task?

You need to be at least level 24 to receive the Minibus task from Ragman.

Where can I get MS2000 Markers?

MS2000 Markers can be purchased from the trader Prapor. It’s recommended to bring at least three (one for each minibus) and possibly an extra one as a backup.

Do I need to mark all three minibuses in a single raid?

No, you don’t need to mark all three minibuses in a single raid. Your progress is saved for each minibus you successfully mark. However, you do need to extract safely after marking the final minibus to complete the task.

What happens if I die while placing a marker?

If you die while the green text is on your screen from planting a marker, you will need to return and replant that specific marker. However, any previously completed markings will remain saved.

Can I complete other tasks while doing the Minibus task?

Yes, you can complete other Interchange tasks simultaneously with the Minibus task to maximize efficiency. Many players combine this with other marking or collection tasks on Interchange.

Is there a specific order I should mark the minibuses?

There’s no required order for marking the minibuses. However, the route described in this guide (starting with the outdoor minibus and then proceeding to the two in the parking garage) is efficient and logical.

What’s the best time to attempt this task?

The best time to attempt this task is during a less populated raid. Consider playing during off-peak hours or selecting servers with lower player counts. Night raids can also be less crowded, though you’ll need good night vision or a reliable flashlight.

Importance of the Minibus Task in Escape from Tarkov Progression

While the Minibus task might seem like a simple marking mission, it plays a significant role in your overall progression in Escape from Tarkov. Completing this task not only provides immediate rewards but also contributes to your long-term development in the game.

Task Chain Progression

The Minibus task is part of Ragman’s task chain. Completing his tasks in sequence unlocks more advanced quests with better rewards and contributes to increasing your trader reputation with him. Higher reputation levels with traders unlock better items for purchase and more favorable prices.

Skill Development

Completing tasks like Minibus helps you develop important skills for surviving in Tarkov:

• Map knowledge (particularly of Interchange)
• Navigation skills in complex environments like the underground parking garage
• Task efficiency and planning
• Extract selection and timing

Economy Benefits

The rewards from the Minibus task, including the 50,000+ Roubles and the ANA Tactical Beta 2 Battle backpack, provide economic benefits that can help fund future raids and gear purchases. The Beta 2 backpack is particularly valuable as it offers 30 storage slots, making it useful for loot runs.

Gear Progression

Unlocking the Stranghogg plate carrier craft and the OTV body armor purchase option provides access to better protective gear, which can significantly improve your survival chances in future raids.

Samantha Yates

Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies