public transportation in ashgabat is'nt an problem ,not very expensive you could take the bus for 1 manats ,or also found taxi(few).but people there, used to stand up on the road, hitching is the best mean, less expensive , more practical and convivial.
the  moving price; depends of course, how far you would go, between 2 and 4 manats ;for somepeople it's the way to earn one's living ,and for you,to save time.
don't worry if when you give an adress or an place ,the driver start away ,just he isn't interested by this direction.you must wait few minutes no more.i used this kind of transportation for 2 years without problems.
are they relatively safe? yes , very kindly people there,don't be afraid!
