Country’s capital re-invents the tricycle

Travel stories from people who have been to Bangkok, Thailand won’t be complete without a mention of the ubiquitous tuk tuks.

So named because of the sound their engine makes, these colorful and motorized rickshaws, can easily weave through the narrow and branching streets of the capital city.

They are an essential element of the Bangkok culture as jeepneys are in Manila.

And soon, these tuk tuks, might be seen plying the inner roads of the Philippine capital city.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said he is bent on re-inventing the mode of transport for short distance routes in the city. These eight-seater vehicles could soon replace the tricycles frequently plying the narrow roads and secondary routes.

Last Holy Monday, the tuk tuk parts arrived at the port of Manila and passed inspection at the Bureau of Customs.

They were immediately transported to the City Hall for assembly.

The result were six units of the vehicle that resembles a combination tricycle and golf cart.

Divided into front and back sections, the tuk tuk has two open sides and can accommodate an average of eight people.

"I imported them from Thailand. I want to see how we can possibly help the local tricycle industry give the driver turn it into a income potential. I noticed that in Thailand they are bigger, faster and sturdier, and therefore can accommodate more passengers. Sigurado mas malaki ang kinikita ng mga tuk tuk drivers," Atienza said.

Since not all tricycle manufacturers have the capability to travel to Thailand and study the viability of these units, he decided to bring in a few samples for close scrutiny.

He added the six tuk tuks would serve as a prototype for interested tricycle manufacturers.

"My intention is not to import more units, but to have them manufactured locally. It would serve as a model for those who are already in the business of making tricycles. Why not make it something similar to this and accommodate more passengers, mas mabilis pa ang takbo," he said.

The mayor admitted that tests have to be made before they can conclude that tuk tuks are a better alternative. "We have to test it and answer several questions. Will it work, is it adaptable, is it practical? We are not in the business of manufacturing, but merely providing the manufacturers the idea."

Officials also have to find out whether they are suitable on the roads of Manila. Atienza is thinking of letting them ply the Dogonoy area in San Andres Bukid, where there is an existing terminal for tricycles near the wet and dry market.

If it passes the series of tests and the manufacturers are inclined to make their local version, the next step would be to give these vehicles a new name.

"In Bangkok they are called tuk tuks, but if we will apply them here, we will have to change the name. We will modify it and give it Filipino character like jeepneys. They will be colorful and even have floral designs," he said.