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Motorcycle taxi

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A motorcycle taxi is a special way to travel using a motorbike.

Scooters Bangkok Nana
Scooters Bangkok Nana

In many parts of the world, these are a licensed form of transport. Usually, one passenger sits behind the driver. This is called riding pillion. In some places, like Cameroon, even more people can ride at once.

Transport des élèves à Maroua1
Transport des élèves à Maroua1

Up to four children might ride on a single motorcycle in Maroua. These rides are very helpful for getting around quickly. They are often much faster than cars or buses in busy areas.

How these rides work depends on the country. In Thailand, drivers often wear bright orange vests.

Scooters Bangkok Nana
Scooters Bangkok Nana

This makes them easy to spot on side streets. In India, drivers are called pilots and often wear yellow and black.

Motorcycle Taxi
Motorcycle Taxi

Passengers in India usually agree on the price before the trip starts. In Indonesia, people use a service called an ojek.

Pangkalan ojek
Pangkalan ojek

Ojek are great for moving through heavy traffic in cities like Jakarta. They can reach places where four-wheeled vehicles cannot go.

Many different people started these services over the years. In Brazil, some say it began in 1994 in Crateús. Other stories say it started in Bauru in 1996. A biker there hung a sign to ask for help. In the United Kingdom, motorcycle taxis in London began in 1990. They were a niche industry at first. In the United States, a service called Moto Limos Club started in 2011. It operated in California and New York City.

There are many interesting facts about these rides. In China, a short trip can cost only 5 yuan. In Vietnam, they are known as xe ôm.

Bác xe ôm chở khách
Bác xe ôm chở khách

These drivers often gather near schools or bus stations. In Nigeria, there are about three million motorcycle taxis called okadas. Over one million of those are in Lagos alone. In Mexico City, thousands of drivers work long hours. Some drivers in Mexico City work 11.3 hours every day.

Motorcycle taxis connect to many things you might see every day. You might use a mobile app to call one. In the Philippines, apps like Angkas and Grab are very popular.

Pasay City (Central Business District) 26
Pasay City (Central Business District) 26

You might also see them used for deliveries. In London, the bikes have special racks for small suitcases.

Motorcycle Taxi
Motorcycle Taxi

This helps people travel to airports like Gatwick or Stansted. Whether it is a fast ride through traffic or a trip to the airport, these bikes keep people moving.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:Scooters Bangkok Nana.jpg
Scooters Bangkok Nana.jpg
File:Transport des élèves à Maroua1.jpg
Transport des élèves à Maroua1.jpg
File:Motorcycle Taxi.jpg
Motorcycle Taxi.jpg
File:Pangkalan ojek.jpg
Pangkalan ojek.jpg
File:Pasay City (Central Business District) 26.jpg
Pasay City (Central Business District) 26.jpg
File:Passenger Bikes Ltd motorcycle taxi.jpg
Passenger Bikes Ltd motorcycle taxi.jpg
File:Bác xe ôm chở khách.jpg
Bác xe ôm chở khách.jpg
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