According to Wikipedia, "An auto rickshaw is generally characterized
by a sheet-metal body or open frame resting on three wheels, a canvas
roof with drop-down sides, a small cabin in the front of the vehicle for the
driver (sometimes called an auto-wallah), and seating space for up to
three passengers in the rear. Newer models are generally fitted with
an CNG-fueled scooter version of a 200cc four-stroke engine, with
handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel".
They are used as a means of transportation in many parts of the world
My experiences, especially in Thailand and India, have been a bit
terrifying because of the overwhelming traffic. In Mumbai, these
open sided vehicles vie with other auto rickshaws - and motorcyles,
buses, and cars for road space, often merging from several lanes
into one and are literally, inches apart from the next one. Horns
blare and tempers flare and I just hold on for dear life, grasping
my purse and whatever belongings I have with me ( with the open
sides, anyone can reach in and snatch my purse from the death grip
of my hands ). Somehow, I must be getting used to the adventure,
however, because I find I can actually glance at the newspaper now,
when on my merry way and, if it isn't rush hour when I wish I had on a
motorcycle helmet and leather from head to toe, I might even finish
an article!!
I am participating in Mellow Yellow Monday - add your
bit of cheery yellow and join in the fun.
lovely ode to the deadly 3 wheeler!
ReplyDeleteYou've lived with them a lot longer than me....and you, bravely, drive a car in this traffic!!! I wonder what insurance rates are like here.
DeleteIndia reminds me of the Philippines a little bit. Thanks for visiting Carmen.
ReplyDeleteLove these auto-rickshaw. They're great in traffic jams and I enjoyed helping the driver honk like crazy!
ReplyDeletewhat a nice ride to try. we had that similar here without the the cavin in front and the wheels are larger than those. we called it tricycle.
ReplyDeletehope you can stop by also,
http://point-shoot-vhen.blogspot.com/2012/01/366-49-50.html
thanks!
How very interesting!! I learned a whole lot, thanks to you and your post.
ReplyDeleteHIDDEN TREASURES @ the Botanical Gardens
We have transportation similar like these ^_^ We call is tricycle or Motorila ^_^
ReplyDeleteYellow Sunset
ours is called tricycle, it looks a bit different but the same concept.:p
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome looking motor ride! I'm glad you still enjoying your stay there!
ReplyDeleteTraffic in a lot of the world is terrifying. Those look really precarious, let alone vying with other vehicles. My friend Ellen leaves for India in two days. She'll be there a month.
ReplyDeleteYou simply bring back my old memory.
ReplyDeletelooks a little bit different but similar concept to our tricycle in the Philippines, Carmen, I used to do "trisikad" for fun and for extra money when I was younger :)
ReplyDeletevery cool rides, we almost have like that back in the Philippines :-) Visiting from Mellow Yellow Monday, hope that you can return the visit too.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.adventurousjessy.com/2012/01/the-rink-guard-in-his-yellow-shirt.html
Those have three wheels? Looks like fun to ride on:)
ReplyDeleteVisiting for MYM!Here's my share-hope you can visit:)
http://www.mommys4seasonsjourney.com/2012/01/mango-juice-and-strawberry-banana-smoothies.html
Hold on for dear life is right! I yiyi, the streets sound scary to me.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels, xo jj
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ReplyDeleteGanga Bhakti