Motorcycle taxi.html



Main article: Taxicab

Drivers of motorcycle taxis in Bangkok wear orange vests.

A motorcycle taxi is a licensed form of transport in some countries. Typically, they will carry one passenger (but sometimes two or more), who sits on the pillion, behind the motorcycle operator.

Cambodia

In Phnom Penh and other cities in Cambodia, motorcycle taxis are the primary form of public transport. Motorcycle taxi drivers are called motodups. They form in queues outside major tourist attractions, office buildings, public markets and near the corners of residential streets. In Phnom Penh, a typical motodup ride will cost around 2,000 riel.

India

Motorcycle taxis are a licensed form of transport in Goa, India. They are much cheaper than other taxis, although the lone passenger can only carry a backpack as luggage. Motorcycle taxis in Goa are driven by men called 'pilots'. By law, in some parts of the state, the rider is expected to wear a helmet, but the pillion-rider is not. These motorcycle taxis can normally be identified by their yellow-and-black coloured paint. The fare should be fixed in advance, and the rides are not metered.

Indonesia

Motorcycle taxis are a very common, but unlicensed, form of transport in Indonesia. Commonly called ojeks, they are present in most areas of the country, from the metropolitans where traffic jams prohibit other forms of transport to the backwater areas where four-wheeled vehicles cannot travel. Would-be passenger have to haggle with the driver for the fee, which generally lies at around IDR 5,000 for short trips.

Many motorcycle taxi drivers own their vehicles or are paying instalments for them through credit. The availability of cheap Chinese-made motorcycles, the ease with which to obtain driver's licenses and credit schemes have resulted in the significant growth of motorcycle taxis. However, in several areas, the motorcycles used are often stolen ones without any papers.

Indonesian law requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets, however, often only the driver does so. Sometimes drivers provide a helmet for the passenger, but more likely he will simply avoid the larger streets where police might catch the violation.

Thailand

Motorcycle taxis are common forms for public transport in Bangkok and most other cities, towns and villages in Thailand. They are generally used for short trips. In Bangkok, there are motorcycle taxi queues on many sois, and the queues are regulated by the city's government. Licensed motorcycle-taxi operators wear orange vests. In compliance with Thailand's helmet law, many (but not all) carry a spare helmet to offer to passengers.

United Kingdom

Passenger Bikes motorcycle taxi waiting for passenger in London

There are currently 3 firms offering a taxi bike service in London. Passenger Bikes Ltd, Virgin Limobike (7 bikes)phone: 0203 126 3999 and Addison Lee Taxybike. The industry began in 1990 and has established itself as a niche market, never growing past a total of 12 bikes. The bikes are now licensed by Transport for London and the Public Carriage Office, (PCO) who also license London's black cabs. Also in Stoke on Trent (Staffordshire)there is City Cabs 2000 who also run a motorcycle taxi. All equipment is provided for the passenger along with an intercom system linking the rider and passenger.

See also

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