View allAll Photos Tagged Congested
Two final photos of the viewing area at the top - we all had to go clockwise so it didn't get too congested. A good plan as there wasn't that much room.
Borders Buses (WCM) Galashiels based 10909 LX59 CLU. Scania N230UD OmniCity Polish built integral. Former Stagecoach London 15125. Seen here on St. Andrew Square in a fairly congested queue for exiting left into Princes Street, operating the X62 for Melrose via Penicuik, Peebles, Galashiels and Borders General Hospital
With rising airship traffic dangerously congesting flight routes, inventors searched for new ways of fast travel. ""Madstopper Steam-Industries" seems to have found the answer with its high speed submarine.
Though sailing – and is sailing even the right word for this new form of marine travel? – on the "Marlin" does not come cheap, ticket pre-orders went through the roof, making the investment in its construction highly profitable for this German wharf.
Whilst Go North East has 106 Wright StreetLite, only the batch of 8 allocated to the Saltwell Park Circular services 53/54 are the shorter 10.8m length. The road network around Saltwell Park is particularly narrow and congested.
They are to be replaced by new electric single decks in the middle of this year, which will bring an end to this version of the brand that has lasted over 6 years.
8341/NL63 XBK stops to pick up passengers outside Newcastle Central Station on 13/02/20.
It's after quite a while I have visited nilkhet for a short duration. The favorite congested dirty dark walkways are ever changing along with the time. Even though life and hardship of the peasants of this forgotten kingdom is same as before. All of us, in life, want to be enlightened, want a better life. want to be cherished. The big but remains as, some times its just the light though a tear of the ever old tin sheet over our head only touches us as the god's ray in the immense darkness that covers and sadden us. do we smile then?
Life in nilkhet series: www.flickr.com/photos/in-fayek_s-eye-photoworks/sets/7215...
Traduction / Translation 🇬🇧 GB. UK.
Los Teques Metro
The Los Teques Metro is a suburban mass-transit system in the city of Los Teques, Venezuela with connections to important surrounding cities and communities. It was opened to public service on November 3, 2006.[1] The Los Teques Metro currently operates one service (branded as lines 1 and 2 for the two parts of the system) connecting 5 stations, with additional stations for Line 2 under construction.
The system connects the city of Los Teques with the capital city of Caracas. The Los Teques Metro is operated by Metro de Caracas – as such, it is effectively a subsidiary/extension of the Caracas Metro, and is widely viewed as part of that system.[2] It is ascribed to the Venezuelan government and the Ministry of Infrastructure. The government of Miranda State and the mayorship of the Guaicaipuro Municipality are also financing its development.
The New Line 2-3 Project
New Alstom Metropolis Train Departing Ali Primera Station
The currently operating line runs for 11.2 kilometers (7.0 mi),[1] parallel to the San Pedro River, establishing a link between Las Adjuntas and Independencia Station.
History
The subway plans date back to 1982 when it was first proposed. However, it wouldn't be until October 19, 1998 when the Metro de Los Teques transit corporation was created (now defunct) in order to carry out management, administrative duties and civil works related to the project. It was supposed to alleviate the congestion of the Panamerican Highway and ease commuting between the two cities, because of their proximity. The operation was subsequently taken over by Metro de Caracas and plans were extended to include expansion to San Antonio and a 3rd line to connect to 2nd point in Caracas.
Construction for the first phase began in 2001 with works including the canalization of the San Pedro River, the tunneling and building of the bridges until reaching Las Adjuntas. It is estimated that the project cost was about 800 million US dollars.
The metro system began with restricted operations:
2 railways through a single tunnel;
2 or 3 trains;
Daily service between 5:20 a.m and 11:00 p.m
Source :
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Teques_Metro
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Translation / Traducción 🇪🇸 ES
Metro de Los Teques
El Metro de Los Teques es un sistema de metro que en su primera línea es suburbano y comunica a las ciudad de Caracas con Los Teques, capital del Estado Miranda, en Venezuela. El mismo pertenece al Estado venezolano, adscrito al Ministerio del Poder Popular para el Transporte y tiene como accionistas a la Gobernación del Estado Miranda,1 la C.A. Metro de Caracas y la Alcaldía de Guaicaipuro del estado Miranda, fue inaugurado de manera parcial el 3 de noviembre de 2006, Están en proyecto un total de 3 líneas para comunicar Los Teques no solo con Caracas, sino también con otras localidades cercanas como Carrizal y San Antonio de los Altos.
Historia
En 1986 se levantan los estudios y se comienza a considerar por parte del Gobierno Nacional a través del Ministerio de Transporte y Comunicaciones la construcción de un sistema de tren sub urbano que pudiese unir a la ciudad de Los Teques con la capital del país Caracas, a fin de descongestionar la carretera Panamericana y agilizar la gran movilización de personas establecida entre ambas ciudades. El 19 de octubre de 1998 se decide constituir la C.A. Metro de Los Teques a fin de ser el ente gestor de todas las obras civiles y administrativas relacionadas con el proyecto...............
Source :
es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_de_Los_Teques
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Translation / Traduction 🇫🇷 Fr.
Métro de Los Teques
« Consortio Linea 2 » a attribué un contrat d’une valeur globale de 530 millions d’euros au consortium « Grupo de Empresas », dirigé par Alstom, pour la construction de la ligne 2 du métro de Los Teques, situé dans l’État de Miranda au Venezuela. Cette ligne de 12 km desservira six stations et sera mise en service en octobre 2015.
La part du contrat revenant à Alstom s’élève à environ 325 millions d’euros. Impliquée à plus de 60 % dans le consortium — qui comprend également Colas Rail (22 %) et Thales (17 %) – Alstom assurera en effet la coordination globale du projet, avec l’ingénierie, l’intégration et la mise en service du système électromécanique dans le cadre d’un projet clé en main. Alstom fournira également 22 rames de métro de six voitures chacune, l’électrification moyenne tension, les sous-stations de traction et une partie de l’équipement de signalisation.
Les rames de métro seront construites sur une plate-forme Metropolis. Elles seront conçues et assemblées sur les sites Alstom de Valenciennes, Tarbes, Le Creusot (240 bogies), Ornans et Villeurbanne en France. Le métro de Los Teques est une extension vers la banlieue du réseau de métro de Caracas qui a ouvert sa première ligne en 1983. Le réseau compte actuellement quatre lignes en service avec 600 voitures déjà fournies par Alstom. Ce projet d’envergure renforce la position de l’entreprise française au Venezuela où elle s’est vue confier la rénovation et l’extension du métro de Caracas.
Source :
www.lejsl.com/saone-et-loire/2011/10/29/des-bogies-du-met...
Métro de Los Teques
Le métro Los Teques est un système de transport en commun de banlieue dans la ville de Los Teques, au Venezuela, avec des connexions avec les villes et les communautés environnantes importantes. Il a été ouvert à la fonction publique le 3 novembre 2006. [1] Le métro de Los Teques exploite actuellement un service (marqué comme les lignes 1 et 2 pour les deux parties du système) reliant 5 stations, avec des stations supplémentaires pour la ligne 2 en construction.
Le système relie la ville de Los Teques à la capitale Caracas. Le métro de Los Teques est exploité par le métro de Caracas - en tant que tel, il est en fait une filiale / extension du métro de Caracas, et est largement considéré comme faisant partie de ce système. [2] Il est attribué au gouvernement vénézuélien et au ministère de l'Infrastructure. Le gouvernement de l'État de Miranda et le maire de la municipalité de Guaicaipuro financent également son développement.
Le projet New Line 2-3
Nouveau train Alstom Metropolis au départ de la gare Ali Primera
La ligne actuellement en service s'étend sur 11,2 kilomètres (7,0 mi), [1] parallèlement à la rivière San Pedro, établissant une liaison entre Las Adjuntas et la gare Independencia.
Histoire
Les plans du métro remontent à 1982 lors de sa première proposition. Cependant, ce n'est que le 19 octobre 1998 que la société de transport en commun Metro de Los Teques a été créée (aujourd'hui disparue) pour assurer la gestion, les tâches administratives et les travaux de génie civil liés au projet. Il était censé atténuer la congestion de la route panaméricaine et faciliter les déplacements entre les deux villes, en raison de leur proximité. L'opération a ensuite été reprise par Metro de Caracas et les plans ont été étendus pour inclure une extension à San Antonio et une 3e ligne pour se connecter au 2e point de Caracas.
La construction de la première phase a commencé en 2001 avec des travaux comprenant la canalisation de la rivière San Pedro, le creusement et la construction des ponts jusqu'à Las Adjuntas. On estime que le coût du projet était d'environ 800 millions de dollars américains.
Source :
Interessanti formazioni nuvolose sul Carso alle spalle di Trieste.
Sullo sfondo si nota come il temporale si è già "formato" con i primi rovesci e con un bel Cumulonembo a incudine.
Impressionate il gigantesco Cumulo Congesto in avvicinamento.
I cross this pedestrian overpass quite often. It is a well-worn but sturdy structure in a busy road intersection traffic-wise but otherwise it is hardly congested since the police have banned the vendors from the bridge way.
Tonghua has passed away on February 14, 2010. Year of the Tiger. He is survived by his mate Tatiana and, scattered through eastern Canada, by his most recent offspring Coco and Jack. He was 17 years old.
Tonghua had not eaten food for 10 days or so, had problems with his hind legs, and underwent exploratory surgery. His body was filled with water and his spleen was massive - about 6 pounds, apparently - which together with his hip problems may have indicated tumours or congestive heart failure. He survived the surgery briefly, apparently, emerged from the anaesthetic, heaved a great sigh, and was gone.
Siam is still really congested and has a cough, but he followed me all around the yard today, so I know he must be feeling better
Auto rickshaws are a common means of public transportation in many countries in the world. Also known as a three-wheeler, Samosa, tempo, tuk-tuk, trishaw, autorick, bajaj, rick, tricycle, mototaxi, baby taxi or lapa in popular parlance, an auto rickshaw is a usually three-wheeled cabin cycle for private use and as a vehicle for hire. It is a motorized version of the traditional pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw. Auto rickshaws are an essential form of urban transport in many developing countries, and a form of novelty transport in many developed countries. However, in some parts of Europe they remain an essential mode of transportation, notably Italy's.
OVERVIEW
ORIGN
Auto rickshaws of Southeast Asia started from the knockdown production of the Daihatsu Midget which had been introduced in 1957.
Japan had been exporting three-wheelers to Thailand since 1934. Moreover, The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Japan donated about 20,000 used three-wheelers to Southeast Asia. In Japan, three-wheelers went out of use in the latter half of the 1960s.
DESIGN
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 a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel scooter version of a 200 cc four-stroke engine, with handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS
AFRICA
EASTERN AFRICA
There are tuk-tuks in several Kenyan towns. Using them is somewhat cheaper than ordinary taxis. However, tuk-tuks cannot operate in mountainous towns, which are common in Kenya. Fierce competition with Boda-bodas (bicycle taxis) and Matatus (minibuses) hinders popularity of Tuk-tuks, especially within the interior of Kenya. While they may not be widely found in Kenya, they are numerous in the coastal regions, which are less mountainous. For example, in the town of Malindi they offer an economical and convenient mode of transportation.
Tuk-tuks are also common in Ethiopia and are becoming common in Tanzania, particularly in the outer areas of Dar es Salaam. In Tanzania and Ethiopia they are known as "Bajaj" or "Bajajis", after the Bajaj Auto company which manufactures many of them. Since 2009, tuk-tuks have become common in Maputo, Mozambique.
EGYPT
In Egypt, auto rickshaws are called toktok (Egyptian Arabic: توك توك pronounced [ˈtoktok], plural: تكاتك takātek [tæˈkæːtek]); they are widely used as taxis in poorer neighborhoods of the capital, and have become a popular symbol for lower class Egyptians, although they are banned from the streets of wealthier neighborhoods. Deposed president Mohamed Morsi (June 2012-July 2013) in his opening speech addressed the Tuk-Tuk (toktok) drivers as a symbol of the lower class population, but his political rivals and mass media considered it as a mean of emotional deception for the masses by rendering what could be a promise to legalize their status.
MADAGASCAR
In Madagascar, man-pulled rickshaws are a common form of transportation in a number of cities, especially Antsirabe. They are known as "posy" from pousse-pousse, meaning push-push. Cycle rickshaws never took off, yet Posy are threatened by the auto-rickshaws, introduced in numbers since 2009. Provincial capitals like Toamasina, Mahajanga, Toliara, Antsiranana are taking to them rapidly. They are known as "bajaji" and now licenced to operate as taxis. They are not yet allowed an operating licence in the congested, and more pollution prone national capital, Antananarivo.
NIGERIA
There are keke-marwa's in several Nigerian towns and cities. Although not as popular as the ubiquitous "Okada" in Nigeria, keke-marwa's are embraced as an alternative means of transport by the middle and lower class citizens. Keke-marwa is named after Lagos former military Governor, Buba Marwa in the late 1990s.
SOUTH AFRICA
Tuk-tuks, introduced in Durban in the late 1980s enjoyed growing popularity in recent years, particularly in Gauteng.
SUDAN
Rickshaws are a major means of transport in all parts of Sudan, it's locally known as Raksha.
ASIA
BANGLADESH
Auto rickshaws (locally called "baby taxis" and more recently "CNGs" due to their fuel source) are one of the most popular modes of transport in Bangladesh mainly due to their size and speed. They are best suited to narrow, crowded streets, and are thus the principal means of covering longer distances within urban areas.
Earlier, auto rickshaws were colored black with a yellow canvas topping and ran on gasoline without any meter system. However, due to the vast supplies of natural gas in Bangladesh, the government has since encouraged the development of four-stroke compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered engines rather than the older two-stroke engine petrol-running models. Two-stroke engines had been identified as one of the leading sources of air pollution in Dhaka. Thus, since January 2003, traditional auto rickshaws were banned from the capital; only the new CNG-powered models were permitted to operate within the city limits. The newly manufactured CNG auto rickshaws are more fuel-efficient and have a lower center of gravity, making them safer than older models. All CNGs are painted green to signify that the vehicles are eco-friendly and that each one has a meter built in as standard.
Another version of the auto rickshaw can be seen in rural areas of Bangladesh, where they are called "helicopters". "Helicopters" are auto rickshaws modified to have a large body with which it can carry more than six or seven passengers.
At the end of the 1980s, a local company Atlas designed and built a new version of the auto rickshaw, called mishuk, a name derived from a children's mascot of a local deer. Unlike baby taxis, mishuks have spoke wheels and a green body, and have no meter system. Mishuks have more space than baby taxis or CNGs, which makes it more popular with women. They are commonly found in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country due to its four-stroke engine, which is not listed as a significant source of air pollution.
CAMBODIA
In Cambodia, the term tuk-tuk (Khmer: ទុកទុក) is used to refer to a motorcycle with a cabin attached to the rear. Cambodian cities have a much lower volume of automobile traffic than Thai cities, and tuk-tuks are still the most common form of urban transport. At the temple complex of Angkor, for example, tuk-tuks provide a convenient form of transport around the complex for tourists. One can hire a tuk-tuk and driver by the day.[citation needed]
Siem Reap tuk-tuks are generally of the style of motorcycle and trailer. This version does not have rear brakes.
Phnom Penh tuk-tuks are one piece. The one piece tuk-tuk is the front end of a motorcycle consisting of steering, tank and engine/gearbox with a covered tray mounted at the back. The power is transferred by chain to an axle mounted to the modified rear fork which drives the two rear wheels. Suspended upon the rear fork is an open cabin with an in-line seat on each side. This arrangement can carry 6 people at ease, with their luggage in the leg space. It is not unusual to see these vehicles greatly overloaded, especially in outer suburbs and around markets.
Sihanoukville tuk-tuks are generally a motorcycle and articulated trailer without rear brakes on the trailer. A minority of tuk-tuks are three wheeled. The rear wheel of the motorcycle is removed and the front of the bike is melded with a trailer. Power is supplied to the trailer wheels by a driveshaft and differential. Rear wheel brakes add significantly to the safety of this design, especially when going downhill.
Currently, Tuk Tuk in Cambodia is being developed to be more convenient and safer. It is also becoming a popular form of transportation for Phnom Penh residents.
Gaza
Together with the recent boom of recreational facilities in Gaza for the local residents, donkey carts have all but been displaced by tuk-tuks in 2010. Due to the ban by Israel on the import of most motorised vehicles, the tuk-tuks have had to be smuggled in parts through the tunnel network connecting Gaza with Egypt.
CHINA
Various types of auto rickshaw are used around China, where they are called 三轮 (Sān lún - three wheeler) or 嘟嘟车 (Dū dū chē - beep beep car).
In Hainan, the southernmost province, electric models are used in the capital Haikou. These may be heavy, purpose-built vehicles, or simple bicycles attached to a light chassis, with a small electric motor housed underneath.
In rural areas, a sturdy, petrol-powered, plastic-bodied type is common, similar to the Philippine motorized tricycle.
INDIA
OVERVIEW
Most cities offer auto rickshaw service, although hand-pulled rickshaws do exist in some areas, such as Kolkata.
Auto rickshaws are used in cities and towns for short distances; they are less suited to long distances because they are slow and the carriages are open to air pollution. Auto rickshaws (often called "autos") provide cheap and efficient transportation. Modern auto rickshaws run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and are environmentally friendly compared to full-sized cars.
It is also not uncommon in many parts of India (including major cities like Delhi) to see primary school children crammed into an auto-rickshaw, transporting them between home and school.
To augment speedy movement of traffic, Auto rickshaws are not allowed in the southern part of Mumbai.
DESIGN & MANUFACTURE
There are two types of autorickshaws in India. In older versions the engines were situated below the driver's seat, while in newer versions engines are located in the rear. They normally run on petrol, CNG and diesel. The seating capacity of a normal rickshaw is four, including the driver's seat. Six-seater rickshaws exist in different parts of the country, but the model was officially banned in the city of Pune 10 January 2003 by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).
CNG autos are distinguishable from the earlier petrol-powered autos by a green and yellow livery, as opposed to the earlier black and yellow appearance. Certain local governments are advocating for four-stroke engines instead of the current two-stroke versions.
Auto rickshaw manufacturers in India include Bajaj Auto, Kumar Motors, Kerala Automobiles Limited, Force Motors (previously Bajaj Tempo), Mahindra & Mahindra, Piaggio Ape and TVS Motors.
LEGISLATION
Generally rickshaw fares are controlled by the government.
INDONESIA
In Indonesia, auto rickshaws are popular in Jakarta, Medan, Java, and Sulawesi. In Jakarta, the auto rickshaws are similar to the ones in India but are colored blue and orange. Outside of Jakarta the bentor-style auto rickshaw is more ubiquitous, with the passenger cabin mounted as a sidecar to a motorcycle. Where these sidecar style auto rickshaws do occur in Jakarta they are not referred to as bentor, but rather as bajaj (bajai). They were also popular in East Java until the end of the 20th century and were known as a bemo.
LAOS
Lao tuk-tuks come as tuk-tuks or jumbo tuk-tuks. Jumbos have a larger 3- or 4-cylinder four-stroke engine, and many are powered by Daihatsu engines. Jumbos' larger engine and cabin size allow for greater loads, up to 12 persons, and higher top speeds. Jumbos are (with few exceptions) only found in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
NEPAL
Auto rickshaws were the popular mode of transport in Nepal during the 1980s and 1990s, till Nepal Government decided to ban the movement of 600 such vehicles in the early 2000. Earliest model of auto rickshaw running in Kathmandu were manufactured by Bajaj Auto. Nepal has been a popular destination for Rickshaw Run. The 2009 Fall Run took place in Goa, India and concluded in Pokhara, Nepal.
PAKISTAN
Auto rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in Pakistani towns and is mainly used for traveling short distances within cities. One of the major brands of auto rickshaws is Vespa (an Italian Company). Lahore is hub of CNG Auto rikshaws manufacturers in Pakistan.The government of Pakistan is taking measures to convert all the gasoline run auto-rickshaws to more effective CNG rickshaw by 2015 in all the major cities of Pakistan by issuing easy loans through commercial banks. Environment Canada is implementing pilot projects in Lahore, Karachi and Quetta with engine technology developed in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada that uses CNG instead of gasoline in the two-stroke engines, in an effort to combat environmental pollution and noise levels.
In many cities in Pakistan, there are also motorcycle rickshaws, usually called chand gari (moon car) or Chingchi (after the Chinese company Jinan Qingqi Motorcycle Co. Ltd who first introduced these to the market).
Rickshaws are forbidden in the capital, Islamabad.
Auto rickshaws have had a history of displaying political statements. In February 2013, that legacy was modified to promote peace. According to Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi, head of the Pakistan Youth Alliance, "We need to take back this romanticized art form and use it for peace sloganeering and conflict resolution."
Manufacturers There are many companies involving in Rickshaw manufacturing in Pakistan, some of them are, AECO Export Company, STAHLCO Motors, Global Sources, Parhiyar Automobiles, Global Ledsys Technologies, Siwa Industries, Prime Punjab Automobiles, Murshid Farm Industries, Sazgar Automobiles, NTN Enterprises, Imperial Engineering Company
PHILLIPINES
Auto rickshaws are an especially popular form of public transportation in the Philippines, where they are referred to as "tricycles" (Filipino: traysikel; Cebuano: traysikol). In the Philippines, the design and configuration of tricycles varies widely from place to place, but tends towards rough standardization within each municipality. The usual design is a passenger or cargo sidecar fitted to a motorcycle, usually on the right of the motorcycle. It is rare to find one with a left sidecar. Tricycles can carry five passengers or more in the sidecar, one or two pillion passengers behind the motorcycle driver, and even a few on the roof of the sidecar. Tricycles are one of the main contributors to air pollution in the Philippines, since majority of them employ two-stroke motorcycles. However, some local governments are working towards phasing out two-stroke-powered tricycles for ones with cleaner four-stroke motorcycles.
SRI LANKA
Auto rickshaws, commonly known as three-wheelers and more recently tuk-tuk, can be found on all roads in Sri Lanka from the curvy roads through the hill country to the congested roads of Colombo transporting locals, foreigners, or freight about. Sri Lankan three-wheelers are of the style of the light Phnom Penh type. Most of the three-wheelers in Sri Lanka are a slightly modified Indian Bajaj model, imported from India though there are few manufactured locally and increasingly imports from other countries in the region and other brands of three-wheelers such as Piaggio. In 2007 January the Sri Lankan government imposed a ban on all 2-stroke three-wheelers, due to environmental concerns and therefore the ones imported to the island now are the ones with four-stroke engines. Most three-wheelers are available as hiring vehicles, with few being used to haul goods and as private company or advertising vehicles. Bajaj enjoys a virtual monopoly in the island, with its agent being David Pieries Motor Co Ltd. A few three-wheelers in Sri Lanka have distance meters, and in the capital city it is becoming more and more common, however the vast majority of charges are negotiated between the passenger and driver.
THAILAND
The auto rickshaw, called tuk-tuk (Thai: ตุ๊กตุ๊ก, pronounced "took-took") or sam-lor (Thai: สามล้อ) meaning three-wheeler in Thailand, is a widely used form of urban transport in Bangkok and other Thai cities. It is particularly popular where traffic congestion is a major problem, such as in Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. The name is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of a small (often two-cycle) engine. An equivalent English term would be "putt-putt."
Bangkok and other cities in Thailand have many tuk-tuks which are a more open variation on the Indian auto-rickshaw. There are no meters, and trip costs are negotiated in advance. Bangkok fares have risen to nearly equal normal taxis due to uninformed foreigners willing to pay the asking price, but leaves passengers more exposed to environmental pollution than taxis. The solid roof is so low that the tuk-tuk is a difficult touring vehicle. Today few locals take one unless they are burdened with packages or travelling in a big group for short distances.
The Thai tuk-tuk is starting to change from the old smoke-spewing vehicle of yesteryear. Many Thai tuk-tuk manufacturers now produce low emission vehicles, and even old ones are having new engines fitted along with LPG conversions. In an early morning of Bangkok, these same passenger vehicles can be seen busily transporting fresh produce around the city. Newer tuk-tuks also have wet weather sides to keep passengers and drivers dry.
The Thai auto-rikshaw manufacturers are, Monika Motors Ltd., TukTuk (Thailand) Co., Ltd., TukTuk Forwerder Co., Ltd. Bangkok and MMW Tuk-Tuks Co.,Ltd. in Hua Hin. Smaller manufacturers are the Chinnaraje Co., Ltd. in Chiang Mai and the Expertise Co., Ltd. in Chonburi which manufactures its models in Komaki, Japan, also.
VIETNAM
Known locally as xe lam, the vernacular pronunciation of the Lambro from the Lambretta line by Innocenti of Italy, these vehicles were very popular in the 1960s and 1970s, especially the urban centers of South Vietnam. Over time the authorities have moved to limit their use.
Xe lam with 1-wheel forward and 2-aft were designed to carry passengers whereas other variants with 2-forward and 1-aft, used mostly to transport goods are known as Xe ba gác máy. The motorized version of cycle rickshaw is the Xích lô máy is of the same design.
EUROPE
FRANCE
A number of Tuk-tuks ( 250 in 2013 according to the Paris Prefecture)are used as an alternative tourist transport system in Paris, some off them being pedal operated with the help of an electric engine. They are not yet fully licenced to operate and await customers on the streets. 'Velos taxis' were common during the Occupation years in Paris due to fuel restrictions.
ITALY
Auto rickshaws have been commonly used in Italy since the late 1940s, providing a low-cost means of transportation in the post-World-War-II years when the country was short of economic resources. The Piaggio Ape, designed by Vespa creator Corradino D'Ascanio and first manufactured in 1948 by the Italian company Piaggio, though primarily designed for carrying freight has also been widely used as an auto rickshaw. It is still extremely popular throughout the country, being particularly useful in the narrow streets found in the center of many little towns in central and southern Italy. Though it no longer has a key role in transportation, Piaggio Ape is still used as a minitaxi in some areas such as the islands of Ischia and Stromboli (on Stromboli no cars are allowed). It has recently been re-launched as a trendy-ecological means of transportation, or, relying on the role the Ape played in the history of Italian design, as a promotional tool. Since 2006 the Ape has been produced under licence in India.
NETHERLANDS
Since 2007, tuk-tuks have been active in the Netherlands, starting with Amsterdam. They now operate in Amersfoort, Amsterdam, The Hague, Zandvoort, Bergen op Zoom, the popular beach resort Renesse and Rotterdam. The tuk-tuks in the Netherlands are imported from India and Thailand. They are fitted with CNG engines and have passed the EURO-4 rules.
UNITED KINGDOM
The first Tuk Tuks to enter service in the United Kingdom were supplied and built by MMW Imports in 1999, under the brand name MMW Tuk Tuks. The very first Private Hire licence was issued to an MMW Tuk Tuk for tours of Bath in the year 2000, MMW also gained full Hackney license in Weston-super-Mare. MMW also now export Tuk Tuks from Thailand to the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, New Zealand and Australia. All the MMW range are built in their own factory in Thailand and are custom made for each customer's needs; hence no two tuk tuks are the same, and they come fully customized as per required spec.
Tukshop of Southampton started the commercial importing of Tuk Tuks into the UK in 2003, which resulted in many people being inspired to set up taxi-type operations in a number of cities including Blackpool, Brighton and Leeds. Tukshop failed to gain a taxi operator license for London after a number of media appearances in 2004. The company, founded by mrsteve, are specialists in experiential marketing using the iconic three-wheelers for street marketing campaigns. Clients of Tukshop include many household names, such as T Mobile, Harrods, Universal Pictures, O2, BBC, Freeview, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Tiger Beer & Grolsch lager. Tukshop have imported and put over one hundred tuk tuks on the roads of the UK and Europe between starting the business and Oct 2010. The company currently stocks models from Piaggio & Bajaj, including the commercial versions such as the TM Van.
A Bajaj tuk tuk is currently operated by Bangwallop of Salcombe, South Devon. Taking just two passengers at a time, the tuk tuk has an operator's licence issued by VOSA and trips can be booked in advance.[citation needed]
Auto rickshaws were introduced to the city of Brighton and Hove on 10 July 2006 by entrepreneur Dominic Ponniah's company Tuctuc Ltd, who had the idea after seeing the vehicles used in India and Sri Lanka. They were CNG-powered, using a four-speed (plus reverse) 175 cc engine. Under the terms of their license, the Bajas ran on a fixed single route, and stopped only at designated stops. They are of the same design as traditional auto rickshaws in other countries.
An investigation was launched into Tuctuc Ltd's operation of the service after complaints were raised, primarily by the city's taxi drivers, that routes, stopping points and timetables were not being adhered to. In November 2006, the company was fined £16,500 – the maximum penalty possible – by the South East Traffic Commissioner. After amendments were made to the timetable to reduce delays and improve reliability, the Commissioner allowed the company to keep its operating license. However, the company announced in January 2008 that it was ceasing operations, citing "archaic legislation" as the reason.
In the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, there is a new street food restaurant called Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food, that has its own branded Tuk Tuks, which are used for marketing around the town and picking up customers on special occasions.
CENTRAL AMERICA
EL SALVADOR
The mototaxi or moto is the El Salvadoran version of the auto rickshaw. These are most commonly made from the front end and engine of a motorcycle attached to a two-wheeled passenger area in back. Commercially produced models, such as the Indian Bajaj brand, are also employed.
GUATEMALA
In Guatemala the commercial vehicles are referred to as tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks operate, both as taxis and private vehicles, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, around the island town of Flores, Peten, in the mountain city of Antigua Guatemala, and in many small towns in the mountains. In 2005 the tuk-tuks prevalent in the Lago de Atitlán towns of Panajachel and Santiago Atitlán all appeared to be from India (Bajaj Auto).
HONDURAS
Three-wheeled all-in-one tuk-tuks are used in the place of traditional taxis in most rural towns and villages.
NICARAGUA
As of 2011 there were an estimated 5,000 mototaxis, popularly known as "caponeras".
CARIBBEAN
Three-wheeled Coco taxis in Havana, Cuba
CUBA
Three-wheeled Coco taxis, named for their resemblance to a coconut, are used in Havana, Cuba.
SOUTH AMERICA
ECUADOR
The mototaxi is the Ecuatorian version of the auto rickshaw. These are most commonly made from the front end and engine of a motorcycle attached to a two-wheeled passenger area in back.
PERU
It is a common sight in the rural areas, towns and cities of Peru to see auto rickshaws, locally known as "mototaxis," "motokars", "taxi cholo", or "cholotaxi" lining up to pick up passengers as their fares are generally lower than car taxis. They are also in the capital, Lima, but they are usually restricted to the peripheral districts. The "jungle" cities and towns in eastern Peru are famous for their prevalence of auto rickshaws. This vehicle, usually running on regular unleaded gasoline, is the main non-private transport vehicle, and is known as "motocarro", "mototaxi" or "tuk-tuk" (for foreigners).
Many of the jungle areas of eastern Peru can be extremely noisy as a result of poorly maintained auto rickshaws and other 2 or 3-wheel vehicles, especially in high traffic or hilly areas. Auto-rickshaw brands such as the Indian-made Bajaj, which use GLP [a form of liquified petroleum gas which some car taxis also use] are much quieter.
NORTH AMERICA
UNITED STATES
Tuk Tuks were introduced to the United States through Tuk Tuk North America of Swainsboro, Georgia. As early as 2006, Mr. Roy Jordan, the owner of Tuk Tuk North America, began working with both the U.S. federal government and manufacturers in Thailand to configure a tuk tuk that was cost effective but adaptable to meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. He was able to contract a manufacturer who could make imported tuk tuks that could meet all necessary federal regulations in the U.S. Original products were imported from Thailand and were gas propelled. Due to the changing regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency, the introduction of imported gas-propelled tuk tuks was short-lived. Due to such changes, in 2009 Tuk Tuk North America decided to go dormant in its importing of gas propelled tuk tuks into the U.S.
However, with the growing emphasis on sustainable “green” energy and the recognition of the continuing rising oil prices, in 2011 the project's short dormancy was rejuvenated being redirected towards introduction of a complete line of all-electric tuk tuks. The line included eight models of "street legal" tuk tuks including passenger, utility, and delivery vehicles. These were offered under the manufacturer’s new name, Electro Technologies LLC, and marketed and sold exclusively through Tuk Tuk Transport LLC of Lenoir City, Tennessee, under the leadership of C. Phillip Tallant.
Prior to 2013, the greatest obstacle to commercial transportation usage of the electric tuk tuks created by Electro Technologies was addressed in mid 2013 by providing a means by which ET Tuk Tuks could be in service 24/7. With this advancement grew the opportunity for formation of Tuk Tuk of America, a company by which partnering affiliates across the U.S. could begin their own local niche urban mobility transportation company with guaranteed protected territories.
FUEL EFFICIENCY & POLLUTION
In July 1998, the Supreme Court of India ordered the Delhi government to implement CNG or LPG (Autogas) fuel for all autos and for the entire bus fleet in and around the city.[citation needed] Delhi's air quality has improved with the switch to CNG. Initially, auto rickshaw drivers in Delhi had to wait in long queues for CNG refueling, but the situation has improved with the increase of CNG stations. Certain local governments are pushing for four-stroke engines instead of the current two-stroke versions. Typical mileage for an Indian-made auto rickshaw is around 35 kilometers per liter of petrol (about 2.9 L per 100 km, or 82 miles per gallon [United States (wet measure), 100 miles per gallon Imperial (United Kingdom, Canada)]. Pakistan has passed a similar law prohibiting auto rickshaws in certain areas. CNG auto rickshaws have started to appear in huge numbers in many Pakistani cities.
In January 2007 the Sri Lankan government also banned two-stroke trishaws to reduce air pollution. In the Philippines there are projects to convert carburated two-stroke engines to direct-injected via Envirofit technology. Research has shown LPG or CNG gas direct-injection to be retrofit-able to existing engines in similar fashion to the Envirofit system. In Vigan City majority of tricycles-for-hire as of 2008 are powered by motorcycles with four-stroke engines, as tricycles with two-stroke motorcycles are prevented from receiving operating permits. Direct injection is standard equipment on new machines in India.
In March 2009 an international consortium coordinated by the International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies initiated a two-year public-private partnership of local and international stakeholders aiming at operating a fleet of 15 hydrogen-fueled three-wheeled vehicles in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan complex. As of January 2011, the project was upon completion.
In the meantime, in October, 2011, the Department of Transportation for the U.S. approved the complete 2012 series of American made, all-electric tuk tuks by Electro Technologies. Chassis were still being shipped in from Thailand, but now with the inclusion of all electrical components as manufactured only in the U.S. with assembly completed in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The American made electric tuk tuks were unique in that they were charged through common 110v outlets providing a range of 60 to 100(+) miles per charge (depending upon model and conditions) with a recharge time between 4 to 6 hours. The Electro Technologies Tuk Tuks topped out at 40 miles per hour which perfectly addresses the needs of their design; niche urban mobile transportation.
The greatest obstacle to daily usage in niche urban mobile commercial transportation was addressed in 2013 by Electro Technologies when they introduced their quick-release battery pack allowing for restoration of 100% power availability in just a few short minutes. This commercial upgrade allowed niche urban transportation businesses to operate 24/7 with no interruption to business.
TRAFFIC ISSUES
Auto rickshaws have a top-speed of around 50 km/h (about 31 mph) and a cruising speed of around 35 km/h (22 mph), much slower than the automobiles they share the road with. Traffic authorities in big cities try to implement mechanisms to reduce the resulting traffic slowing, but none have proven effective.
The MMW Tuk Tuk has a top speed of around 70 mph and with the introduction of the new turbo will have much improved acceleration, to allow for increased speed these Tuk Tuks have anti-roll bars and are fitted with disc brakes.
The triangular form of the vehicle makes maneuvering easy, with the single front wheel negotiating the available gap, and the rear two wheels forcing a larger space. Care must be taken even at low speeds, however, because of the stability problems of three-wheeler vehicles with a single front wheel. Such a "delta"-configuration three-wheeler can easily roll if the driver turns while braking.
In the Philippines, 2-stroke motor tricycle such as Yamaha RS-100T can give a top speed of 55 km/h (one passenger in the sidecar), or 30–40 km/h (full passengers in the sidecar).
More powerful four-stroke motor tricycles such as Honda TMX & Yamaha STX & Bajaj CT-100 can give a top speed up to 70–85 km/h (special trip/one passenger) or 40–50 km/h (full passengers).
RACING
Due to their relatively low top-speed, auto rickshaws have never lent themselves to conventional road or street racing. However, their modest speed, simple construction and impressive fuel economy has endeared them to the international amateur adventuring community, most notably with the Rickshaw Run and also the Indian Autorickshaw Challenge, and even off-road racing with the Apecar competitions in Italy. A Tuk Tuk built by Art In Motion, LLC competed in the 2008 Fireball Run II – Back to the Track
PORTRAYAL IN MEDIA
Auto rickshaws are often portrayed in Indian films (Auto Shankar, Basha, Aye Auto, Oram Po, Hero Hiralal) as well as some Hollywood and foreign productions such as the James Bond film Octopussy, the Canada-India film Amal and the Indonesian movie Pembalasan Rambu. Auto rickshaws are also prominent in the fuel-poor London of 2027 A.D. depicted in Children of Men. A memorable tuk-tuk chase features in the Thai film Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, climaxing with many of them driving off the edge of an unfinished elevated expressway. The video games Just Cause 2, Stuntman, Far Cry 4 and Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Vietnam feature Tuk-Tuks as drivable vehicles. James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) rides in a tuk-tuk in a Visa Card commercial.
WIKIPEDIA
SOUTH YORKSHIRE's TRANSPORT
Heading up a congested High Street, 4 (UPB298S), is a Leyland National 10351A/1R. new in 1977, ex London Country Bus Service in July, 1989.
The GR next to the fleet No. is a garage code, Greenland Road, in this case.
Harry Belafonte, known for popularizing Caribbean folk music, breaking down barriers and advocating for civil rights, has died. He was 96.
According to a spokesperson, Belafonte died in his home on Tuesday from congestive heart failure.
Born Harold George Belafonte, Jr. in the Harlem district of New York on March 1, 1927, Belafonte was the son of Caribbean island emigrants. In the 1950s, the dashing singer burst to fame, despite the era of racial segregation, and his 1956 album “Calypso” sold more than a million copies.
The album’s hit song, “Day-O! (the Banana Boat Song),” is still recognizable today, with Belafonte’s husky voice belting out an a cappella “Day-O!” before easing into the flow of the Caribbean-inspired song. The success of the song dubbed him the “King of Calypso.”
By 1959, Belafonte was the most highly paid Black performer in history, according to the New York Times, with contracts for appearances in Las Vegas, at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles and at the Palace in New York.
But Belafonte would soon move from behind the microphone to in front of the camera.
In 1953, Belafonte became the first Black man to win a Tony Award on Broadway for his revue “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac.” Just six years later, he became the first Black producer to win an Emmy Award for “Tonight With Belafonte,” a CBS special that presented a history of Black American life through music. He also became close friends with Sidney Poiter, a groundbreaking Hollywood actor in his own right.
But Belafonte’s work would carry him past the hills of Hollywood and into the streets of the civil rights movement. A lifelong friend and supporter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Belafonte would help finance the start of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and fundraise for King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
He would also provide bail money for King and other activists arrested for their demonstrations, according to the New York Times, and he participated in the 1963 March on Washington.
“I’ve often responded to queries that ask, ‘When as an artist did you decide to become an activist?’” Belafonte once said. “My response to the question is that I was an activist long before I became an artist. They both service each other, but the activism is first.”
But like many Black Americans at the time — famous or not — Belafonte was struck by the racism he faced every day.
Following the assassination of King, Belafonte sat down with the Washington Post to express his frustration over how most of his fans were white, despite his music having roots in the Black culture.
But it was the racist outage of others that undoubtedly infuriated him.
His role in the 1957 movie “Island in the Sun” generated outrage in the South for its suggestion of a romance between his character and Joan Fontaine’s. In the South Carolina Legislature, a bill was introduced that would have fined theaters for showing the film.
When he was in Atlanta for a benefit concert for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1962, Belafonte was refused service — twice — in the same restaurant. And times when he appeared on television with white female singers, such as Petula Clark in 1968 and Julie Andrews in 1969, threatened to cost him sponsors.
But Black Americans were also unhappy with Belafonte, with some crediting his success to his light skin tone. Others criticized him for marrying Julie Robinson, a white dancer and actress.
Still, Belafonte carried on. In the 1980s, he helped organize the Live Aid concert and the all-star recording “We Are the World,” to fight famine in Africa. In 1987, he became UNICEF’s good-will ambassador.
The singer would also express his opinions about political leaders at home — sometimes with harsh words. In 2002, he accused Secretary of State Colin Powell of abandoning his principles to “come into the house of the master.” In 2006, he called former President George W. Bush “the greatest terrorist in the world.”
But his words weren’t just for Republicans; he also criticized former President Barack Obama.
“For all of his smoothness and intellect, Barack Obama seems to lack a fundamental empathy with the dispossessed, be they White or Black,” Belafonte said.
Still, he is remembered by many fondly for his songs and for his activism.
In a statement following his death, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said Belafonte “exemplified fearless activism.”
“Sharing his love for the arts, Mr. Belafonte played an instrumental role in bringing the music of Africa to other parts of the world,” Johnson said. “His contributions to the arts, indisputable. He possessed an infinite talent which truly surpasses all understanding of time and life and will be greatly missed.”
Bernice King, daughter of MLK Jr., honored her father’s friend in a tweet.
“When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways,” she tweeted. “In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings. Here he is mourning with my mother at the funeral service for my father at Morehouse College. I won’t forget…Rest well, sir.”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump also paid tribute to Belafonte on Tuesday, calling him “a tireless activist, EGOT winner, and successful singer.”
AP African American studies course undergoing changes
They graduated during the pandemic. Now they face their first student loan payments
“Through his extraordinary contributions, including his notable advocacy for human rights and social justice, he leaves an indelible mark on this world,” Crump tweeted. “Rest In Power, Mr. Belafonte.”
Few years ago I heard about some pre-historic era tombs near Dera Ismail khan. When I first saw the picture of these edifices; I was totally spell bound. The only question revolving in my mind was that why this marvelous architecture didn’t gain much attention? I wished to visit this place but was unable to find the exact location of it.
Finally I found the place and its direction from Google earth so I decided to visit this place. On 23rd December, I along with a friend left for Dera Ismail khan from Lahore, It was one of the most tiring travels of my lifetime. We failed to get tickets for DIK because of two connective holidays of 24th and 25th December. As a last resort we had option of Balouch Transport; one of the oldest buses on roads of Pakistan. It was fully packed with passengers and even the middle walking corridor was jammed with temporary seats. Neither could I move my legs nor could stand on feet’s because of congested space. But despite of my deplorable condition; travelling in public transport helps you to interact with peoples of all colors & help you acquire lots of information. Adding to my misery; the busses started race; it was fun for some but a fearful experience for soft hearted person like me.
We reached Dera Ismail khan before dawn on 24th December. It was a shivering cold morning. Our friend Karim lives there was our host. He arranged bikes for our further travel. Unfortunately the whole city was closed due to holiday. So it took us some time to start our journey on Indus highway. Our next destination was Mahra. This small village situated at some 40 kilometers south of DIK on Indus highway. Further 1.2 kilometers from village will lead to a roadside sign pointing to take right turn for “Ancient Tombs and Graveyard”. It was a seven kilometer long village road and was full of dirt. A watercourse was running parallel to the road. There one can find Temporary houses of IDP’s (Internally displaced persons) of FATA.
It’s not safe to travel alone on this road. One should take some local along or travel in group. After road there is clump of trees on left. From a distance one can see domes of prehistoric tombs. Once we moved inside that clump of trees. We got first full sight. It was amazing four tombs and graveyard; exactly as I saw them in pictures. I was standing among them. This sight gave me a feeling of inner satisfaction; a feeling which cannot be expressed in words. It was an expression of gratitude to great architectures of that era. Locals called this place “Andiray” which means ‘graveyard’ in the local dialect of Pashto. I started asking questions from myself that who could be buried inside those tombs? Whose graves are these? These all are still unanswered questions. Only Dr. Ahmed Hassan Dani has done some authentic research on this place. Dr. Dani was a Pakistani intellectual, archaeologist, historian and a linguistic. In one of his books; “Pakistan through ages”; he points out that this site must have acquired an important geographical position during the travel of Ghaznvids Sultans to Sindh and Punjab.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was part of larger Islamic empires from 963 to 1187, including the Ghaznavid Empire (975-1187) headed by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. Mahmud is said to have made seventeen raids into India. At that time, North India was divided into a number of Hindu states. On the frontier of India, there existed the Hindu Shahi kingdom which extended from the Punjab to Kabul.
Lal Mahara, site is an important Islamic Architecture site dated back to 11th and 12th centuries A D. The site consists on eleven monumental tombs and more than 120 graves. But only four tombs and some graves in dilapidated condition were surviving at the time of protection while the rest seven tombs were completely razed to ground only their traces are visible. The rest four tombs have been preserved and restored only. Presently the site is well preserved and free from encroachment. Tree plantation as a barrier against weather affects as well as to restrict fresh burial (modern and ancient graveyard) has been provided. However keeping in view gradual development activities i.e. housing and agricultural in close vicinity it is necessary to take necessary measures to safe guard the site from any encroachment as well as bad effect of excessive irrigation resulting water logging in future. Features: Architectural features of these tombs are worth to mention. In these corner turrets have provided to tomb 1 and tomb 2 are square in plan. While the other two are without corner turrets and square in shape. Here cut and dressed brick work have applied while blue color tiles have utilized for decoration purposes. Furthermore, all the square chambers have converted into octagons by producing squenches. Deptt of Archaeology conducted conservation work in a large scale and preserved all these four tombs while domes are missing.
Remarks: This graveyard site is well preserved site. From southern side iron grill has provided while to all four sides plantation further strengthened its boundaries. Moreover a local chowkidar (Gulu) is performing his duty on the site.
Someone needs to pick up where Dr. Dani has left otherwise his work and legacy will be lost. We are yet to discover much more than we have already, but archeology is not attractive as being Doctor or Engineer
66506 departs from a congested MCT terminal on Southampton water working the 4E65 1313 Southampton M.C.T. to Doncaster Europort boxes on Tuesday 30 December 2025.
Image obtained from the main road into the container terminal. Port security don't ever seemed bothered, unless an attempt to access the working dock area is attempted.
This small wetland is sandwiched between the Ohio River and Highland Ave just off of the Williamstown Bridge in Williamstown West Virginia. It is a quiet pretty little wetland in an otherwise fairly busy and congested part of the town. In fact the wetland is bordered by two roads a busy intersection an Italian restaurant, a gas station and busy three way intersection. On this early July day that I visited a lady coming off the wetland pathway told me about a Green Heron that had been hanging out for over an hour just down the path. I put on my zoom lens and approached the spot cautiously. At the instant I saw him and he saw me he decided there would be no photos and flew away. So no heron but here are a few pics of this beautiful little wetland.
Went down to Liberty State Park this morning. Left to right....Veendam, Caribbean Princess and Celebrity Summit. Took the photo below one year ago tomorrow. Same three ships. Norwegian Gem is in today also.
“You only get one sunrise and one sunset a day, and you only get so many days on the planet. A good photographer does the math and doesn't waste either.” - Galen Rowell (1940-2002)
While the Midwest and the northeastern parts of the country are facing frigid temperatures and buried under snow, we are still holding steady here in San Diego at a balmy 70-degrees.
We have some spectacular sunrises and sunsets during the months of December and January due to the absence of the marine layer that usually congests our beaches throughout the rest of the year.
I headed over to one of my favorite sunsets spot the other day, aptly named Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. As usual, the light show did not disappoint. Even this surfer left the Pacific Ocean to witness the last light of the day.
Like a good photographer, he did his math.
Check back for more of my photographs around my hometown of San Diego! One more photo in the comment section.
Happy Travels!
Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography 2013
Sea Haven - Introduced into Aberdeen Harbour in March 2008.
The 15.25 metre steel, twin screw Sea Haven was constructed by Pembroke-based, Mustang Marine (Wales) under a contract valued at almost £800,000.
In addition to her pilotage and general-purpose roles, she is also specially designed for hydrographical surveys and for use as a Harbour Master's launch. A maritime pilot, also known as a marine pilot or harbor pilot and sometimes simply called a pilot, is a sailor who manoeuvres ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. He or she is normally an ex ship captain and a highly experienced shiphandler who possess detailed knowledge of the particular waterway, e.g. actual depth, direction and strength of the wind, current and tide at any time of the day. The pilot is a navigational expert for the port of call.
Maneuvering a ship through the shallow water to berth / unberth in a port requires teamwork which involves, apart from the port pilot, the ship's captain (jointly responsible), ship's crew, port tugs, and shore linesmen. Since the pilot is on board the ship, he controls the tugs and linesmen through a radio and the ship directly. The ship's captain ensures his crew carry out the pilot's orders.
High skill is required to be a pilot as the channels through which the ships move towards the port is normally too narrow and shallow for the size of the ships, stopping distance of the ships being a few nautical miles and the fact that ships do not steer at slow speed. Even if a ship captain is a regular visitor to a certain port, he can not match the expertise and experience of the Pilot.
In an unfortunate case of an accident, high pollution is a risk as the ships carry thousands of tonnes of fuel for her own consumption.(Clean up cost and other damages of the Exxon Valdez disaster was around $ 5 billion). Also if a ship is wrecked in the channel, the channel and the port could be closed for months until the shipwreck is removed.
Most ports have compulsory pilotage.
Legally, the master has full responsibility for safe navigation of his vessel, even if a pilot is on board. If he has clear grounds that the pilot may jeopardize the safety of navigation, he can relieve him from his duties and ask for another pilot or, if not compulsory to have a pilot on board, navigate the vessel without one. Only in transit of the Panama Canal and in Canada does the pilot have the full responsibility for the navigation of the vessel.
In English law, Section 742 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 defines a pilot as "any person not belonging to a ship who has the conduct thereof." In other words, someone other than a member of the crew who has control over the speed, direction, and movement of the ship. The current United Kingdom legislation governing pilotage is the Pilotage Act 1987.
Pilotage is one of the oldest professions, as old as sea travel, and it is one of the most important in maritime safety. The oldest recorded history dates back to about the 7th century BC.[1] The economic and environmental risk from today's large cargo ships makes the role of the pilot essential[citation needed].
In comparison with the preceding image, here is a Tecnobus on happoer times. I came across this Gulliver in Madrid a couple of years back, patrolling a more congested part of Madrid.
How do I look, ladies?
Purrs
Goku
(Actually Goku isn't feeling very well... His nose is congested and now we have to give him some medicine... the thing he hates the most...)
Women dressed in black cross a busy street. The streets of Dhaka are increasingly polluted and congested, a situation the new incoming government has pledged to address. 31/01/2009, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Traduction / Translation 🇬🇧 GB. UK.
Los Teques Metro
The Los Teques Metro is a suburban mass-transit system in the city of Los Teques, Venezuela with connections to important surrounding cities and communities. It was opened to public service on November 3, 2006.[1] The Los Teques Metro currently operates one service (branded as lines 1 and 2 for the two parts of the system) connecting 5 stations, with additional stations for Line 2 under construction.
The system connects the city of Los Teques with the capital city of Caracas. The Los Teques Metro is operated by Metro de Caracas – as such, it is effectively a subsidiary/extension of the Caracas Metro, and is widely viewed as part of that system.[2] It is ascribed to the Venezuelan government and the Ministry of Infrastructure. The government of Miranda State and the mayorship of the Guaicaipuro Municipality are also financing its development.
The New Line 2-3 Project
New Alstom Metropolis Train Departing Ali Primera Station
The currently operating line runs for 11.2 kilometers (7.0 mi),[1] parallel to the San Pedro River, establishing a link between Las Adjuntas and Independencia Station.
History
The subway plans date back to 1982 when it was first proposed. However, it wouldn't be until October 19, 1998 when the Metro de Los Teques transit corporation was created (now defunct) in order to carry out management, administrative duties and civil works related to the project. It was supposed to alleviate the congestion of the Panamerican Highway and ease commuting between the two cities, because of their proximity. The operation was subsequently taken over by Metro de Caracas and plans were extended to include expansion to San Antonio and a 3rd line to connect to 2nd point in Caracas.
Construction for the first phase began in 2001 with works including the canalization of the San Pedro River, the tunneling and building of the bridges until reaching Las Adjuntas. It is estimated that the project cost was about 800 million US dollars.
The metro system began with restricted operations:
2 railways through a single tunnel;
2 or 3 trains;
Daily service between 5:20 a.m and 11:00 p.m
Source :
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Teques_Metro
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Translation / Traducción 🇪🇸 ES
Metro de Los Teques
El Metro de Los Teques es un sistema de metro que en su primera línea es suburbano y comunica a las ciudad de Caracas con Los Teques, capital del Estado Miranda, en Venezuela. El mismo pertenece al Estado venezolano, adscrito al Ministerio del Poder Popular para el Transporte y tiene como accionistas a la Gobernación del Estado Miranda,1 la C.A. Metro de Caracas y la Alcaldía de Guaicaipuro del estado Miranda, fue inaugurado de manera parcial el 3 de noviembre de 2006, Están en proyecto un total de 3 líneas para comunicar Los Teques no solo con Caracas, sino también con otras localidades cercanas como Carrizal y San Antonio de los Altos.
Historia
En 1986 se levantan los estudios y se comienza a considerar por parte del Gobierno Nacional a través del Ministerio de Transporte y Comunicaciones la construcción de un sistema de tren sub urbano que pudiese unir a la ciudad de Los Teques con la capital del país Caracas, a fin de descongestionar la carretera Panamericana y agilizar la gran movilización de personas establecida entre ambas ciudades. El 19 de octubre de 1998 se decide constituir la C.A. Metro de Los Teques a fin de ser el ente gestor de todas las obras civiles y administrativas relacionadas con el proyecto...............
Source :
es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_de_Los_Teques
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Translation / Traduction 🇫🇷 Fr.
Métro de Los Teques
« Consortio Linea 2 » a attribué un contrat d’une valeur globale de 530 millions d’euros au consortium « Grupo de Empresas », dirigé par Alstom, pour la construction de la ligne 2 du métro de Los Teques, situé dans l’État de Miranda au Venezuela. Cette ligne de 12 km desservira six stations et sera mise en service en octobre 2015.
La part du contrat revenant à Alstom s’élève à environ 325 millions d’euros. Impliquée à plus de 60 % dans le consortium — qui comprend également Colas Rail (22 %) et Thales (17 %) – Alstom assurera en effet la coordination globale du projet, avec l’ingénierie, l’intégration et la mise en service du système électromécanique dans le cadre d’un projet clé en main. Alstom fournira également 22 rames de métro de six voitures chacune, l’électrification moyenne tension, les sous-stations de traction et une partie de l’équipement de signalisation.
Les rames de métro seront construites sur une plate-forme Metropolis. Elles seront conçues et assemblées sur les sites Alstom de Valenciennes, Tarbes, Le Creusot (240 bogies), Ornans et Villeurbanne en France. Le métro de Los Teques est une extension vers la banlieue du réseau de métro de Caracas qui a ouvert sa première ligne en 1983. Le réseau compte actuellement quatre lignes en service avec 600 voitures déjà fournies par Alstom. Ce projet d’envergure renforce la position de l’entreprise française au Venezuela où elle s’est vue confier la rénovation et l’extension du métro de Caracas.
Source :
www.lejsl.com/saone-et-loire/2011/10/29/des-bogies-du-met...
Métro de Los Teques
Le métro Los Teques est un système de transport en commun de banlieue dans la ville de Los Teques, au Venezuela, avec des connexions avec les villes et les communautés environnantes importantes. Il a été ouvert à la fonction publique le 3 novembre 2006. [1] Le métro de Los Teques exploite actuellement un service (marqué comme les lignes 1 et 2 pour les deux parties du système) reliant 5 stations, avec des stations supplémentaires pour la ligne 2 en construction.
Le système relie la ville de Los Teques à la capitale Caracas. Le métro de Los Teques est exploité par le métro de Caracas - en tant que tel, il est en fait une filiale / extension du métro de Caracas, et est largement considéré comme faisant partie de ce système. [2] Il est attribué au gouvernement vénézuélien et au ministère de l'Infrastructure. Le gouvernement de l'État de Miranda et le maire de la municipalité de Guaicaipuro financent également son développement.
Le projet New Line 2-3
Nouveau train Alstom Metropolis au départ de la gare Ali Primera
La ligne actuellement en service s'étend sur 11,2 kilomètres (7,0 mi), [1] parallèlement à la rivière San Pedro, établissant une liaison entre Las Adjuntas et la gare Independencia.
Histoire
Les plans du métro remontent à 1982 lors de sa première proposition. Cependant, ce n'est que le 19 octobre 1998 que la société de transport en commun Metro de Los Teques a été créée (aujourd'hui disparue) pour assurer la gestion, les tâches administratives et les travaux de génie civil liés au projet. Il était censé atténuer la congestion de la route panaméricaine et faciliter les déplacements entre les deux villes, en raison de leur proximité. L'opération a ensuite été reprise par Metro de Caracas et les plans ont été étendus pour inclure une extension à San Antonio et une 3e ligne pour se connecter au 2e point de Caracas.
La construction de la première phase a commencé en 2001 avec des travaux comprenant la canalisation de la rivière San Pedro, le creusement et la construction des ponts jusqu'à Las Adjuntas. On estime que le coût du projet était d'environ 800 millions de dollars américains.
Source :
thankful for that, - this was early in the morning, but this is the busiest street of Kuala Lumpur, a traffic-choked street, congested from 9.00 till late at night! No change to just cross the road......
Agapanthus coming out.
Traits: Sun, Coastal, Rockery, Container
The 10 species in this southern African genus belong to the onion (Alliaceae) family but do not produce true bulbs, though their thickened fleshy roots perform much the same function. The plants in this genus are ideal for borders due to their narrow upright shape, and dwarf forms are superb in rockeries or containers. Although the various species seem quite distinct, some botanists now believe them to be just one very variable species. The genus name means flower of love, from the Greek agape, meaning love, and anthos, meaning flower, although the significance of the name is unclear. Agapanthus has been used medicinally for cardiac complaints.
Flowering Season: Summer
Appearance: Agapanthus species and cultivars have long, strap-like, fleshy leaves that form dense clumps of evergreen or deciduous foliage. Tall stems tower over the foliage bearing heads of bell-shaped or tubular flowers, in shades of blue to purple or white. In frost-free climates, flowers of evergreens appear over a long season, elsewhere summer is the principal flowering season.
Cultivation: Agapanthus species are hardy plants, and are easily grown. Although tolerant of drought and poor soil, both flower and foliage production improves with moisture and feeding. They perform best in a position in full sun or part-shade in any well-drained soil. Routine removal of spent flowers will encourage further flowering. If growing in pots, do not use overly large containers as they do better when the roots are somewhat congested. Propagate by division in winter or from seed. (Source:
Usually used in congested areas such as a railyard where a signal mast is not needed for switching control, though they can also be mast mounted for mainline signalling. There is a mechanism inside similar to a semaphore that moves colored disks in front of the the lamp to give the indications of Clear, Approach, and Stop.
I found this gentleman and his natty cap quite intriguing. Since we were in a congested hospital waiting room, I removed that background in favour of an AI generated hospital scene.
HSS
©AnvilcloudPhotography
S.S. Suncruisers MCW Metrobus B198 WUL is seen slowly progressing along the congested Scarborough Seafront whilst operating the 109 service.
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Street Photography, Laos, LPDR.
The sidewalk is narrow, congested and very busy with people scurrying about doing whatever it is they are doing.
The road running parallel to the sidewalk is bumper to bumper trucks, tuk tuks, scooters, cars and buses. Dust and exhaust is stifling !
Shops & vendors of all types consume any empty space they can on the sidewalk with goods of every description.You must walk single file through this gauntlet of odd objects that are both on your left and your right..
About 3 meters ahead I spot an old hand just above ankle level .
It appeared to be shaking hands with an invisible participant that could be no more then 1 foot tall. Any way this caught my attention.
Approaching slowly as not to disturb anyone, I come upon my new friend sitting in a tiny little spot between two broken cement planters.
In front of her was a small plastic bowl, it appeared to be as old as her . Broken, chipped, stained and empty except for a small piece of orange peel.... I pushed a bucket aside and sat down next to her and started right in on our relationship.
My new friend would take a quick look at me and start laughing. When she stole another peek I would start laughing. This went back and forth for a good 10 minutes.
When I left there was a total of 9,000 Lao Kip in folded paper treasury notes laying in her old plastic bowl.
9,000 Kip = 40 Thai Baht which = about $ 1 dollar and 25 cents in USD.
One could only imagine the stories she could tell us about her life in Laos, LPDR.
I'd like y'all to join in an experiment. Easy deal it'll just take a second.
First you know this is on the side of a very busy road in Laos.
What you see in the opening over her shoulder is oil, mud and wet cement road.
Now click on the arrow in the upper right and expand this photo.
Now look over her shoulder again and envision being high up on a mountain peak. Possibly at the base of a giant religious icon.
Most likely a Buddha . Do you too see the valley below ? ... ;-)
One more thing before I go,
Today was spent preparing for tomorrows trip out to
The Dog Palace, then on to see No# 1 wife out by the
Cambodian border. It will be a very long day .............. ;-)
Thank You.
Jon&Crew ;)
Please help with your temple dog donations here.
www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-abandoned-thai-temple-dogs
Please,
No Political Statements, Awards,
Invites Large Logos or Copy/Pastes.
© All rights reserved.
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After leaving their loads, WPFJ-10 shoves through a congested Bleigh Avenue with three empties for NE Metal as the weather begins to change. April 4, 2018.
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This is my little girl Cricket. She's just about 15 and just diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Don't know how many days we have left but I cherish every one.
Very unusual to see any vehicles managing to overtake on High Street, part of the Royal Mile, as it is usually congested with tourists and vehicles.
43023 makes an unusual appearance in the 'Suburban Platforms' at Kings Cross, covering a Hull Trains diagram; the main platforms were heavily congested due to OHLE damage near Grantham, and this 2+5 set was positioned into Platform 10.
Most everyone who has been following my stream for some time knows that Christmas is a bittersweet time of year for me. It was always my favorite holiday, as it is for many of us, but in 2008, that began to change.
My mother died on Christmas morning at about 4 AM. We were in a hospice facility about 30 miles from where I live, as the ones in my area were full up, and I knew a hospice nurse who ran the facility in Port Orange, who saw what was going on, and offered to transport my mom over to a brand new facility in Orange City. She was there a little less than a week, and at the time she was admitted, I had no idea just how close she was to the end.
On the morning Mom died, I was alone with her in her room. I woke to find several nurses hovering, staring at me, as one told me she had died a few minutes earlier. I was only allowed to be alone with her for a few minutes before they told me I would have to go. I had to drive home to South Daytona in the dark, in tears and shock. Before I left, I placed the Christmas card I'd bought for her the night before on her chest, and took the little angel doll the nurses had left there home with me. When my tree is up, that is the most precious ornament on it.
In 2012, on Christmas Eve Day, when this picture was taken, I was keeping a vigil with my kitty, Tigger, who was suffering with lymphoma that had congested his lungs, and was waiting until my friend, Susan, who had first told me about him in her group here on Flickr, arrived and we would make that drive over to the vet to end Tig's suffering. I took pictures of the sky, as I did the night before and the morning Mom died, somehow knowing it would be the last for her, and definitely knowing this was Tigger's last sunrise. Whenever I see this type of cloud, I think of them both, as this is the kind that appears here in Florida at this time of year. Tigger passed away four years after my mother, on Dec. 24, 2012.
There is a beauty and poignancy to these December scenes for me. This one will always be a tribute to not only my precious cat, but my mother, who died on a day with a similar sky. I captured that one, as well, but it almost hurts too much to look at it now. After a decade, I still miss her, and the bittersweet feelings come each time the sky looks this way. I miss Tigger, too. Pets become family for animal lovers, and they are never forgotten.
Christmas has come to hold new feelings for me, of looking forward to being with my brother, nephews, and friends, and enjoying the kitties that are presently in my life and deserving of just as much love as the ones lost. It's still a bit bittersweet, and I will still make my yearly pilgrimage to the park where Mom's ashes are scattered, but the pain seems to be just a little more dull this year, and the enjoyment over things like two of my dearest friends moving into their new home and the excitement of helping them decorate it, and hearing from folks I don't get to talk to most of the year, seems to brighten my life more than those kind of things have for a long time. I hope one day that when I look at this kind of sky, all I see is the beauty.
France, Alsace, Strasbourg, "La Petite France", colourful canoes in traffic congestion to be lowered by 4 mtr in the lock
👉 One World one Dream,
🙏...Danke, Xièxie 谢谢, Thanks, Gracias, Merci, Grazie, Obrigado, Arigatô, Dhanyavad, Chokrane to you & over
12 million visits in my photostream with countless motivating comments
Young man maneuvering across the very busy Alameda Street, either heading to Olvera Street or China Town .
Candid shot. Bergen, Norway.
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A pilot, also referred to as a marine pilot, maritime pilot, or harbor pilot is a mariner who manoeuvres ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbors or river mouths. He is normally an ex ship captain and a highly experienced shiphandler who possess detailed knowledge of the particular waterway, e.g. actual depth, direction and strength of the wind, current and tide at any time of the day.
Maneuvering a ship through the shallow water to berth / unberth in a port is basically a teamwork which involves, apart from the port pilot, the ship's captain (jointly responsible), ship's crew, port tugs, and shore linesmen. Since the pilot is on board the ship, he controls the tugs and linesmen through a radio and the ship directly. The ship's captain ensures his crew carry out the pilot's orders.
High skill is required to be a pilot as the channels through which the ships move towards the port is normally too narrow and shallow for the size of the ships, stopping distance of the ships being a few nautical miles and the fact that ships do not steer at slow speed. In an unfortunate case of an accident, high pollution is a risk as the ships carry thousands of tonnes of fuel for her own consumption. Also if a ship is wrecked in the channel, the channel and the port could be closed for months till the shipwreck is removed.
Most ports have compulsory pilotage.
Legally, the master has full responsibility for safe navigation of his vessel, even if a pilot is on board. If he has clear grounds that the pilot may jeopardize the safety of navigation, he can relieve him from his duties and ask for another pilot or, if not compulsory to have a pilot on board, navigate the vessel without one. Only in transit of the Panama Canal does the pilot have the full responsibility for the navigation of the vessel.
In English law, Section 742 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 defines a pilot as "any person not belonging to a ship who has the conduct thereof." In other words, someone other than a member of the crew who has control over the speed, direction, and movement of the ship. The current United Kingdom legislation governing pilotage is the Pilotage Act 1987.
Pilotage is one of the oldest professions, as old as sea travel, and it is one of the most important in maritime safety. The oldest recorded history dates back to about the 7th century BC. The economic and environmental risk from today's large cargo ships makes the role of the pilot essential.
Basal leaves congested, elliptic to ovate or lanceolate, to 10 cm long and 30 mm wide. Inflorescence to 25 cm long, arching to drooping, with 2–5 small, loosely sheathing bracts and 6–18 congested flowers. Labellum white or green with reddish brown markings, prominently stalked.
Flowering November to December.
Grows in wet crevices and on damp ledges of sandstone cliffs often among mosses, grasses and ferns; chiefly in the Blue Mountains, also on the coast on rocky outcrops north of Sydney.
Auto rickshaws are a common means of public transportation in many countries in the world. Also known as a three-wheeler, Samosa, tempo, tuk-tuk, trishaw, autorick, bajaj, rick, tricycle, mototaxi, baby taxi or lapa in popular parlance, an auto rickshaw is a usually three-wheeled cabin cycle for private use and as a vehicle for hire. It is a motorized version of the traditional pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw. Auto rickshaws are an essential form of urban transport in many developing countries, and a form of novelty transport in many developed countries. However, in some parts of Europe they remain an essential mode of transportation, notably Italy's.
OVERVIEW
ORIGN
Auto rickshaws of Southeast Asia started from the knockdown production of the Daihatsu Midget which had been introduced in 1957.
Japan had been exporting three-wheelers to Thailand since 1934. Moreover, The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Japan donated about 20,000 used three-wheelers to Southeast Asia. In Japan, three-wheelers went out of use in the latter half of the 1960s.
DESIGN
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 a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel scooter version of a 200 cc four-stroke engine, with handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS
AFRICA
EASTERN AFRICA
There are tuk-tuks in several Kenyan towns. Using them is somewhat cheaper than ordinary taxis. However, tuk-tuks cannot operate in mountainous towns, which are common in Kenya. Fierce competition with Boda-bodas (bicycle taxis) and Matatus (minibuses) hinders popularity of Tuk-tuks, especially within the interior of Kenya. While they may not be widely found in Kenya, they are numerous in the coastal regions, which are less mountainous. For example, in the town of Malindi they offer an economical and convenient mode of transportation.
Tuk-tuks are also common in Ethiopia and are becoming common in Tanzania, particularly in the outer areas of Dar es Salaam. In Tanzania and Ethiopia they are known as "Bajaj" or "Bajajis", after the Bajaj Auto company which manufactures many of them. Since 2009, tuk-tuks have become common in Maputo, Mozambique.
EGYPT
In Egypt, auto rickshaws are called toktok (Egyptian Arabic: توك توك pronounced [ˈtoktok], plural: تكاتك takātek [tæˈkæːtek]); they are widely used as taxis in poorer neighborhoods of the capital, and have become a popular symbol for lower class Egyptians, although they are banned from the streets of wealthier neighborhoods. Deposed president Mohamed Morsi (June 2012-July 2013) in his opening speech addressed the Tuk-Tuk (toktok) drivers as a symbol of the lower class population, but his political rivals and mass media considered it as a mean of emotional deception for the masses by rendering what could be a promise to legalize their status.
MADAGASCAR
In Madagascar, man-pulled rickshaws are a common form of transportation in a number of cities, especially Antsirabe. They are known as "posy" from pousse-pousse, meaning push-push. Cycle rickshaws never took off, yet Posy are threatened by the auto-rickshaws, introduced in numbers since 2009. Provincial capitals like Toamasina, Mahajanga, Toliara, Antsiranana are taking to them rapidly. They are known as "bajaji" and now licenced to operate as taxis. They are not yet allowed an operating licence in the congested, and more pollution prone national capital, Antananarivo.
NIGERIA
There are keke-marwa's in several Nigerian towns and cities. Although not as popular as the ubiquitous "Okada" in Nigeria, keke-marwa's are embraced as an alternative means of transport by the middle and lower class citizens. Keke-marwa is named after Lagos former military Governor, Buba Marwa in the late 1990s.
SOUTH AFRICA
Tuk-tuks, introduced in Durban in the late 1980s enjoyed growing popularity in recent years, particularly in Gauteng.
SUDAN
Rickshaws are a major means of transport in all parts of Sudan, it's locally known as Raksha.
ASIA
BANGLADESH
Auto rickshaws (locally called "baby taxis" and more recently "CNGs" due to their fuel source) are one of the most popular modes of transport in Bangladesh mainly due to their size and speed. They are best suited to narrow, crowded streets, and are thus the principal means of covering longer distances within urban areas.
Earlier, auto rickshaws were colored black with a yellow canvas topping and ran on gasoline without any meter system. However, due to the vast supplies of natural gas in Bangladesh, the government has since encouraged the development of four-stroke compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered engines rather than the older two-stroke engine petrol-running models. Two-stroke engines had been identified as one of the leading sources of air pollution in Dhaka. Thus, since January 2003, traditional auto rickshaws were banned from the capital; only the new CNG-powered models were permitted to operate within the city limits. The newly manufactured CNG auto rickshaws are more fuel-efficient and have a lower center of gravity, making them safer than older models. All CNGs are painted green to signify that the vehicles are eco-friendly and that each one has a meter built in as standard.
Another version of the auto rickshaw can be seen in rural areas of Bangladesh, where they are called "helicopters". "Helicopters" are auto rickshaws modified to have a large body with which it can carry more than six or seven passengers.
At the end of the 1980s, a local company Atlas designed and built a new version of the auto rickshaw, called mishuk, a name derived from a children's mascot of a local deer. Unlike baby taxis, mishuks have spoke wheels and a green body, and have no meter system. Mishuks have more space than baby taxis or CNGs, which makes it more popular with women. They are commonly found in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country due to its four-stroke engine, which is not listed as a significant source of air pollution.
CAMBODIA
In Cambodia, the term tuk-tuk (Khmer: ទុកទុក) is used to refer to a motorcycle with a cabin attached to the rear. Cambodian cities have a much lower volume of automobile traffic than Thai cities, and tuk-tuks are still the most common form of urban transport. At the temple complex of Angkor, for example, tuk-tuks provide a convenient form of transport around the complex for tourists. One can hire a tuk-tuk and driver by the day.[citation needed]
Siem Reap tuk-tuks are generally of the style of motorcycle and trailer. This version does not have rear brakes.
Phnom Penh tuk-tuks are one piece. The one piece tuk-tuk is the front end of a motorcycle consisting of steering, tank and engine/gearbox with a covered tray mounted at the back. The power is transferred by chain to an axle mounted to the modified rear fork which drives the two rear wheels. Suspended upon the rear fork is an open cabin with an in-line seat on each side. This arrangement can carry 6 people at ease, with their luggage in the leg space. It is not unusual to see these vehicles greatly overloaded, especially in outer suburbs and around markets.
Sihanoukville tuk-tuks are generally a motorcycle and articulated trailer without rear brakes on the trailer. A minority of tuk-tuks are three wheeled. The rear wheel of the motorcycle is removed and the front of the bike is melded with a trailer. Power is supplied to the trailer wheels by a driveshaft and differential. Rear wheel brakes add significantly to the safety of this design, especially when going downhill.
Currently, Tuk Tuk in Cambodia is being developed to be more convenient and safer. It is also becoming a popular form of transportation for Phnom Penh residents.
Gaza
Together with the recent boom of recreational facilities in Gaza for the local residents, donkey carts have all but been displaced by tuk-tuks in 2010. Due to the ban by Israel on the import of most motorised vehicles, the tuk-tuks have had to be smuggled in parts through the tunnel network connecting Gaza with Egypt.
CHINA
Various types of auto rickshaw are used around China, where they are called 三轮 (Sān lún - three wheeler) or 嘟嘟车 (Dū dū chē - beep beep car).
In Hainan, the southernmost province, electric models are used in the capital Haikou. These may be heavy, purpose-built vehicles, or simple bicycles attached to a light chassis, with a small electric motor housed underneath.
In rural areas, a sturdy, petrol-powered, plastic-bodied type is common, similar to the Philippine motorized tricycle.
INDIA
OVERVIEW
Most cities offer auto rickshaw service, although hand-pulled rickshaws do exist in some areas, such as Kolkata.
Auto rickshaws are used in cities and towns for short distances; they are less suited to long distances because they are slow and the carriages are open to air pollution. Auto rickshaws (often called "autos") provide cheap and efficient transportation. Modern auto rickshaws run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and are environmentally friendly compared to full-sized cars.
It is also not uncommon in many parts of India (including major cities like Delhi) to see primary school children crammed into an auto-rickshaw, transporting them between home and school.
To augment speedy movement of traffic, Auto rickshaws are not allowed in the southern part of Mumbai.
DESIGN & MANUFACTURE
There are two types of autorickshaws in India. In older versions the engines were situated below the driver's seat, while in newer versions engines are located in the rear. They normally run on petrol, CNG and diesel. The seating capacity of a normal rickshaw is four, including the driver's seat. Six-seater rickshaws exist in different parts of the country, but the model was officially banned in the city of Pune 10 January 2003 by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).
CNG autos are distinguishable from the earlier petrol-powered autos by a green and yellow livery, as opposed to the earlier black and yellow appearance. Certain local governments are advocating for four-stroke engines instead of the current two-stroke versions.
Auto rickshaw manufacturers in India include Bajaj Auto, Kumar Motors, Kerala Automobiles Limited, Force Motors (previously Bajaj Tempo), Mahindra & Mahindra, Piaggio Ape and TVS Motors.
LEGISLATION
Generally rickshaw fares are controlled by the government.
INDONESIA
In Indonesia, auto rickshaws are popular in Jakarta, Medan, Java, and Sulawesi. In Jakarta, the auto rickshaws are similar to the ones in India but are colored blue and orange. Outside of Jakarta the bentor-style auto rickshaw is more ubiquitous, with the passenger cabin mounted as a sidecar to a motorcycle. Where these sidecar style auto rickshaws do occur in Jakarta they are not referred to as bentor, but rather as bajaj (bajai). They were also popular in East Java until the end of the 20th century and were known as a bemo.
LAOS
Lao tuk-tuks come as tuk-tuks or jumbo tuk-tuks. Jumbos have a larger 3- or 4-cylinder four-stroke engine, and many are powered by Daihatsu engines. Jumbos' larger engine and cabin size allow for greater loads, up to 12 persons, and higher top speeds. Jumbos are (with few exceptions) only found in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
NEPAL
Auto rickshaws were the popular mode of transport in Nepal during the 1980s and 1990s, till Nepal Government decided to ban the movement of 600 such vehicles in the early 2000. Earliest model of auto rickshaw running in Kathmandu were manufactured by Bajaj Auto. Nepal has been a popular destination for Rickshaw Run. The 2009 Fall Run took place in Goa, India and concluded in Pokhara, Nepal.
PAKISTAN
Auto rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in Pakistani towns and is mainly used for traveling short distances within cities. One of the major brands of auto rickshaws is Vespa (an Italian Company). Lahore is hub of CNG Auto rikshaws manufacturers in Pakistan.The government of Pakistan is taking measures to convert all the gasoline run auto-rickshaws to more effective CNG rickshaw by 2015 in all the major cities of Pakistan by issuing easy loans through commercial banks. Environment Canada is implementing pilot projects in Lahore, Karachi and Quetta with engine technology developed in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada that uses CNG instead of gasoline in the two-stroke engines, in an effort to combat environmental pollution and noise levels.
In many cities in Pakistan, there are also motorcycle rickshaws, usually called chand gari (moon car) or Chingchi (after the Chinese company Jinan Qingqi Motorcycle Co. Ltd who first introduced these to the market).
Rickshaws are forbidden in the capital, Islamabad.
Auto rickshaws have had a history of displaying political statements. In February 2013, that legacy was modified to promote peace. According to Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi, head of the Pakistan Youth Alliance, "We need to take back this romanticized art form and use it for peace sloganeering and conflict resolution."
Manufacturers There are many companies involving in Rickshaw manufacturing in Pakistan, some of them are, AECO Export Company, STAHLCO Motors, Global Sources, Parhiyar Automobiles, Global Ledsys Technologies, Siwa Industries, Prime Punjab Automobiles, Murshid Farm Industries, Sazgar Automobiles, NTN Enterprises, Imperial Engineering Company
PHILLIPINES
Auto rickshaws are an especially popular form of public transportation in the Philippines, where they are referred to as "tricycles" (Filipino: traysikel; Cebuano: traysikol). In the Philippines, the design and configuration of tricycles varies widely from place to place, but tends towards rough standardization within each municipality. The usual design is a passenger or cargo sidecar fitted to a motorcycle, usually on the right of the motorcycle. It is rare to find one with a left sidecar. Tricycles can carry five passengers or more in the sidecar, one or two pillion passengers behind the motorcycle driver, and even a few on the roof of the sidecar. Tricycles are one of the main contributors to air pollution in the Philippines, since majority of them employ two-stroke motorcycles. However, some local governments are working towards phasing out two-stroke-powered tricycles for ones with cleaner four-stroke motorcycles.
SRI LANKA
Auto rickshaws, commonly known as three-wheelers and more recently tuk-tuk, can be found on all roads in Sri Lanka from the curvy roads through the hill country to the congested roads of Colombo transporting locals, foreigners, or freight about. Sri Lankan three-wheelers are of the style of the light Phnom Penh type. Most of the three-wheelers in Sri Lanka are a slightly modified Indian Bajaj model, imported from India though there are few manufactured locally and increasingly imports from other countries in the region and other brands of three-wheelers such as Piaggio. In 2007 January the Sri Lankan government imposed a ban on all 2-stroke three-wheelers, due to environmental concerns and therefore the ones imported to the island now are the ones with four-stroke engines. Most three-wheelers are available as hiring vehicles, with few being used to haul goods and as private company or advertising vehicles. Bajaj enjoys a virtual monopoly in the island, with its agent being David Pieries Motor Co Ltd. A few three-wheelers in Sri Lanka have distance meters, and in the capital city it is becoming more and more common, however the vast majority of charges are negotiated between the passenger and driver.
THAILAND
The auto rickshaw, called tuk-tuk (Thai: ตุ๊กตุ๊ก, pronounced "took-took") or sam-lor (Thai: สามล้อ) meaning three-wheeler in Thailand, is a widely used form of urban transport in Bangkok and other Thai cities. It is particularly popular where traffic congestion is a major problem, such as in Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. The name is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of a small (often two-cycle) engine. An equivalent English term would be "putt-putt."
Bangkok and other cities in Thailand have many tuk-tuks which are a more open variation on the Indian auto-rickshaw. There are no meters, and trip costs are negotiated in advance. Bangkok fares have risen to nearly equal normal taxis due to uninformed foreigners willing to pay the asking price, but leaves passengers more exposed to environmental pollution than taxis. The solid roof is so low that the tuk-tuk is a difficult touring vehicle. Today few locals take one unless they are burdened with packages or travelling in a big group for short distances.
The Thai tuk-tuk is starting to change from the old smoke-spewing vehicle of yesteryear. Many Thai tuk-tuk manufacturers now produce low emission vehicles, and even old ones are having new engines fitted along with LPG conversions. In an early morning of Bangkok, these same passenger vehicles can be seen busily transporting fresh produce around the city. Newer tuk-tuks also have wet weather sides to keep passengers and drivers dry.
The Thai auto-rikshaw manufacturers are, Monika Motors Ltd., TukTuk (Thailand) Co., Ltd., TukTuk Forwerder Co., Ltd. Bangkok and MMW Tuk-Tuks Co.,Ltd. in Hua Hin. Smaller manufacturers are the Chinnaraje Co., Ltd. in Chiang Mai and the Expertise Co., Ltd. in Chonburi which manufactures its models in Komaki, Japan, also.
VIETNAM
Known locally as xe lam, the vernacular pronunciation of the Lambro from the Lambretta line by Innocenti of Italy, these vehicles were very popular in the 1960s and 1970s, especially the urban centers of South Vietnam. Over time the authorities have moved to limit their use.
Xe lam with 1-wheel forward and 2-aft were designed to carry passengers whereas other variants with 2-forward and 1-aft, used mostly to transport goods are known as Xe ba gác máy. The motorized version of cycle rickshaw is the Xích lô máy is of the same design.
EUROPE
FRANCE
A number of Tuk-tuks ( 250 in 2013 according to the Paris Prefecture)are used as an alternative tourist transport system in Paris, some off them being pedal operated with the help of an electric engine. They are not yet fully licenced to operate and await customers on the streets. 'Velos taxis' were common during the Occupation years in Paris due to fuel restrictions.
ITALY
Auto rickshaws have been commonly used in Italy since the late 1940s, providing a low-cost means of transportation in the post-World-War-II years when the country was short of economic resources. The Piaggio Ape, designed by Vespa creator Corradino D'Ascanio and first manufactured in 1948 by the Italian company Piaggio, though primarily designed for carrying freight has also been widely used as an auto rickshaw. It is still extremely popular throughout the country, being particularly useful in the narrow streets found in the center of many little towns in central and southern Italy. Though it no longer has a key role in transportation, Piaggio Ape is still used as a minitaxi in some areas such as the islands of Ischia and Stromboli (on Stromboli no cars are allowed). It has recently been re-launched as a trendy-ecological means of transportation, or, relying on the role the Ape played in the history of Italian design, as a promotional tool. Since 2006 the Ape has been produced under licence in India.
NETHERLANDS
Since 2007, tuk-tuks have been active in the Netherlands, starting with Amsterdam. They now operate in Amersfoort, Amsterdam, The Hague, Zandvoort, Bergen op Zoom, the popular beach resort Renesse and Rotterdam. The tuk-tuks in the Netherlands are imported from India and Thailand. They are fitted with CNG engines and have passed the EURO-4 rules.
UNITED KINGDOM
The first Tuk Tuks to enter service in the United Kingdom were supplied and built by MMW Imports in 1999, under the brand name MMW Tuk Tuks. The very first Private Hire licence was issued to an MMW Tuk Tuk for tours of Bath in the year 2000, MMW also gained full Hackney license in Weston-super-Mare. MMW also now export Tuk Tuks from Thailand to the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, New Zealand and Australia. All the MMW range are built in their own factory in Thailand and are custom made for each customer's needs; hence no two tuk tuks are the same, and they come fully customized as per required spec.
Tukshop of Southampton started the commercial importing of Tuk Tuks into the UK in 2003, which resulted in many people being inspired to set up taxi-type operations in a number of cities including Blackpool, Brighton and Leeds. Tukshop failed to gain a taxi operator license for London after a number of media appearances in 2004. The company, founded by mrsteve, are specialists in experiential marketing using the iconic three-wheelers for street marketing campaigns. Clients of Tukshop include many household names, such as T Mobile, Harrods, Universal Pictures, O2, BBC, Freeview, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Tiger Beer & Grolsch lager. Tukshop have imported and put over one hundred tuk tuks on the roads of the UK and Europe between starting the business and Oct 2010. The company currently stocks models from Piaggio & Bajaj, including the commercial versions such as the TM Van.
A Bajaj tuk tuk is currently operated by Bangwallop of Salcombe, South Devon. Taking just two passengers at a time, the tuk tuk has an operator's licence issued by VOSA and trips can be booked in advance.[citation needed]
Auto rickshaws were introduced to the city of Brighton and Hove on 10 July 2006 by entrepreneur Dominic Ponniah's company Tuctuc Ltd, who had the idea after seeing the vehicles used in India and Sri Lanka. They were CNG-powered, using a four-speed (plus reverse) 175 cc engine. Under the terms of their license, the Bajas ran on a fixed single route, and stopped only at designated stops. They are of the same design as traditional auto rickshaws in other countries.
An investigation was launched into Tuctuc Ltd's operation of the service after complaints were raised, primarily by the city's taxi drivers, that routes, stopping points and timetables were not being adhered to. In November 2006, the company was fined £16,500 – the maximum penalty possible – by the South East Traffic Commissioner. After amendments were made to the timetable to reduce delays and improve reliability, the Commissioner allowed the company to keep its operating license. However, the company announced in January 2008 that it was ceasing operations, citing "archaic legislation" as the reason.
In the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, there is a new street food restaurant called Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food, that has its own branded Tuk Tuks, which are used for marketing around the town and picking up customers on special occasions.
CENTRAL AMERICA
EL SALVADOR
The mototaxi or moto is the El Salvadoran version of the auto rickshaw. These are most commonly made from the front end and engine of a motorcycle attached to a two-wheeled passenger area in back. Commercially produced models, such as the Indian Bajaj brand, are also employed.
GUATEMALA
In Guatemala the commercial vehicles are referred to as tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks operate, both as taxis and private vehicles, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, around the island town of Flores, Peten, in the mountain city of Antigua Guatemala, and in many small towns in the mountains. In 2005 the tuk-tuks prevalent in the Lago de Atitlán towns of Panajachel and Santiago Atitlán all appeared to be from India (Bajaj Auto).
HONDURAS
Three-wheeled all-in-one tuk-tuks are used in the place of traditional taxis in most rural towns and villages.
NICARAGUA
As of 2011 there were an estimated 5,000 mototaxis, popularly known as "caponeras".
CARIBBEAN
Three-wheeled Coco taxis in Havana, Cuba
CUBA
Three-wheeled Coco taxis, named for their resemblance to a coconut, are used in Havana, Cuba.
SOUTH AMERICA
ECUADOR
The mototaxi is the Ecuatorian version of the auto rickshaw. These are most commonly made from the front end and engine of a motorcycle attached to a two-wheeled passenger area in back.
PERU
It is a common sight in the rural areas, towns and cities of Peru to see auto rickshaws, locally known as "mototaxis," "motokars", "taxi cholo", or "cholotaxi" lining up to pick up passengers as their fares are generally lower than car taxis. They are also in the capital, Lima, but they are usually restricted to the peripheral districts. The "jungle" cities and towns in eastern Peru are famous for their prevalence of auto rickshaws. This vehicle, usually running on regular unleaded gasoline, is the main non-private transport vehicle, and is known as "motocarro", "mototaxi" or "tuk-tuk" (for foreigners).
Many of the jungle areas of eastern Peru can be extremely noisy as a result of poorly maintained auto rickshaws and other 2 or 3-wheel vehicles, especially in high traffic or hilly areas. Auto-rickshaw brands such as the Indian-made Bajaj, which use GLP [a form of liquified petroleum gas which some car taxis also use] are much quieter.
NORTH AMERICA
UNITED STATES
Tuk Tuks were introduced to the United States through Tuk Tuk North America of Swainsboro, Georgia. As early as 2006, Mr. Roy Jordan, the owner of Tuk Tuk North America, began working with both the U.S. federal government and manufacturers in Thailand to configure a tuk tuk that was cost effective but adaptable to meet or exceed U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. He was able to contract a manufacturer who could make imported tuk tuks that could meet all necessary federal regulations in the U.S. Original products were imported from Thailand and were gas propelled. Due to the changing regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency, the introduction of imported gas-propelled tuk tuks was short-lived. Due to such changes, in 2009 Tuk Tuk North America decided to go dormant in its importing of gas propelled tuk tuks into the U.S.
However, with the growing emphasis on sustainable “green” energy and the recognition of the continuing rising oil prices, in 2011 the project's short dormancy was rejuvenated being redirected towards introduction of a complete line of all-electric tuk tuks. The line included eight models of "street legal" tuk tuks including passenger, utility, and delivery vehicles. These were offered under the manufacturer’s new name, Electro Technologies LLC, and marketed and sold exclusively through Tuk Tuk Transport LLC of Lenoir City, Tennessee, under the leadership of C. Phillip Tallant.
Prior to 2013, the greatest obstacle to commercial transportation usage of the electric tuk tuks created by Electro Technologies was addressed in mid 2013 by providing a means by which ET Tuk Tuks could be in service 24/7. With this advancement grew the opportunity for formation of Tuk Tuk of America, a company by which partnering affiliates across the U.S. could begin their own local niche urban mobility transportation company with guaranteed protected territories.
FUEL EFFICIENCY & POLLUTION
In July 1998, the Supreme Court of India ordered the Delhi government to implement CNG or LPG (Autogas) fuel for all autos and for the entire bus fleet in and around the city.[citation needed] Delhi's air quality has improved with the switch to CNG. Initially, auto rickshaw drivers in Delhi had to wait in long queues for CNG refueling, but the situation has improved with the increase of CNG stations. Certain local governments are pushing for four-stroke engines instead of the current two-stroke versions. Typical mileage for an Indian-made auto rickshaw is around 35 kilometers per liter of petrol (about 2.9 L per 100 km, or 82 miles per gallon [United States (wet measure), 100 miles per gallon Imperial (United Kingdom, Canada)]. Pakistan has passed a similar law prohibiting auto rickshaws in certain areas. CNG auto rickshaws have started to appear in huge numbers in many Pakistani cities.
In January 2007 the Sri Lankan government also banned two-stroke trishaws to reduce air pollution. In the Philippines there are projects to convert carburated two-stroke engines to direct-injected via Envirofit technology. Research has shown LPG or CNG gas direct-injection to be retrofit-able to existing engines in similar fashion to the Envirofit system. In Vigan City majority of tricycles-for-hire as of 2008 are powered by motorcycles with four-stroke engines, as tricycles with two-stroke motorcycles are prevented from receiving operating permits. Direct injection is standard equipment on new machines in India.
In March 2009 an international consortium coordinated by the International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies initiated a two-year public-private partnership of local and international stakeholders aiming at operating a fleet of 15 hydrogen-fueled three-wheeled vehicles in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan complex. As of January 2011, the project was upon completion.
In the meantime, in October, 2011, the Department of Transportation for the U.S. approved the complete 2012 series of American made, all-electric tuk tuks by Electro Technologies. Chassis were still being shipped in from Thailand, but now with the inclusion of all electrical components as manufactured only in the U.S. with assembly completed in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The American made electric tuk tuks were unique in that they were charged through common 110v outlets providing a range of 60 to 100(+) miles per charge (depending upon model and conditions) with a recharge time between 4 to 6 hours. The Electro Technologies Tuk Tuks topped out at 40 miles per hour which perfectly addresses the needs of their design; niche urban mobile transportation.
The greatest obstacle to daily usage in niche urban mobile commercial transportation was addressed in 2013 by Electro Technologies when they introduced their quick-release battery pack allowing for restoration of 100% power availability in just a few short minutes. This commercial upgrade allowed niche urban transportation businesses to operate 24/7 with no interruption to business.
TRAFFIC ISSUES
Auto rickshaws have a top-speed of around 50 km/h (about 31 mph) and a cruising speed of around 35 km/h (22 mph), much slower than the automobiles they share the road with. Traffic authorities in big cities try to implement mechanisms to reduce the resulting traffic slowing, but none have proven effective.
The MMW Tuk Tuk has a top speed of around 70 mph and with the introduction of the new turbo will have much improved acceleration, to allow for increased speed these Tuk Tuks have anti-roll bars and are fitted with disc brakes.
The triangular form of the vehicle makes maneuvering easy, with the single front wheel negotiating the available gap, and the rear two wheels forcing a larger space. Care must be taken even at low speeds, however, because of the stability problems of three-wheeler vehicles with a single front wheel. Such a "delta"-configuration three-wheeler can easily roll if the driver turns while braking.
In the Philippines, 2-stroke motor tricycle such as Yamaha RS-100T can give a top speed of 55 km/h (one passenger in the sidecar), or 30–40 km/h (full passengers in the sidecar).
More powerful four-stroke motor tricycles such as Honda TMX & Yamaha STX & Bajaj CT-100 can give a top speed up to 70–85 km/h (special trip/one passenger) or 40–50 km/h (full passengers).
RACING
Due to their relatively low top-speed, auto rickshaws have never lent themselves to conventional road or street racing. However, their modest speed, simple construction and impressive fuel economy has endeared them to the international amateur adventuring community, most notably with the Rickshaw Run and also the Indian Autorickshaw Challenge, and even off-road racing with the Apecar competitions in Italy. A Tuk Tuk built by Art In Motion, LLC competed in the 2008 Fireball Run II – Back to the Track
PORTRAYAL IN MEDIA
Auto rickshaws are often portrayed in Indian films (Auto Shankar, Basha, Aye Auto, Oram Po, Hero Hiralal) as well as some Hollywood and foreign productions such as the James Bond film Octopussy, the Canada-India film Amal and the Indonesian movie Pembalasan Rambu. Auto rickshaws are also prominent in the fuel-poor London of 2027 A.D. depicted in Children of Men. A memorable tuk-tuk chase features in the Thai film Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, climaxing with many of them driving off the edge of an unfinished elevated expressway. The video games Just Cause 2, Stuntman, Far Cry 4 and Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Vietnam feature Tuk-Tuks as drivable vehicles. James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) rides in a tuk-tuk in a Visa Card commercial.
WIKIPEDIA