Street Life - Auto Rickshaws

Note about this weekend: Ann and I are flying to Delhi and Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. You'll see the next post on Monday.

Click on pictures to view large versions.

The Auto Rickshaw

In New York City, the Yellow Cab is ubiquitous, the way that everyone gets around the city without driving. In Bangalore, the auto rickshaw fills this role. Like the Yellow Cab, it is everywhere, is driven by mad men you can't understand, and you can't get one when it rains.




These three-wheeled vehicles are powered by a 2-cycle engine (one that generates a lot of emissions and pollution) and are very simple vehicles, easy to maintain and drive. And while these two men appear pleasant and calm, they change when behind the wheel of a "rick".

When riding in a rickshaw, this photo illustrates the speed at which it appears the rickshaw is moving:

The view from inside the rickshaw is either exhilarating or positively frightening. Cars, motorbikes and scooter, pedestrians and other rickshaws are close enough to touch. Literally, they come within inches of each other, often while traveling at speeds of 20-30 miles per hour. They get much closer to each other when stopped at traffic lights. The best analogy to a rickshaw ride is being a helpless passenger in a go-cart race.


Below are some movie clips of life inside a rickshaw. Enjoy!