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| 0214 Different tuk-tuk models |
Posted on 21.05.2012, 26.01.2020
I know this type of means of transport from two sources: of Indian movies and from communistRomania during 1960-1970 (when they were used by the confectioneries and by the company - yes, it was only one - which deliver food at home). I note with surprise that this three-wheeled cabin cycle, in fact a motorized version of the traditional pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw, was or is used on almost every continents, except Australia. Those who invented it were Italians, namely company Piaggio, which made in 1948 Piaggio Ape (Italian for bee), based on the Vespa (Italian for wasp) scooter. Clever play on words, that perfectly reflects the change of purpose, going on the same line.
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| 3397 Tuk-tuks at Wat Pho, Bangkok |
In Thailand (because about it is about in the sentence) this auto rickshaw, called tuk-tuk, is a widely used form of urban transport, particularly where traffic congestion is a major problem. About 20,000 tuk-tuks are registered as taxis in Thailand. Bangkok alone is reported to have 9,000 tuk-tuks. The name is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of a small engine, often two-cycle (an equivalent English term would be "putt-putt"). Drivers may also use their tuk-tuks to transport fresh produce or other goods around the city in absence of passengers.
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