The writer has rightly pointed out that the public transport system in the capital is inadequate. In addition, the bus route does not cover all desired routes and the taxis are unaffordable for most people residing in the capital. The writer needs to be praised for the concern expressed about the transport need for about nine million people in the city.
However, it should be realised that motorised rickshaw is not the solution to address the transport demand of the nine million people due to its poor safety standard and poor safety record. Till now several people have died and many more got severely injured due to the poor safety standards of these rickshaws. Some of the reasons why these rickshaws are discouraged from safety point of view include: (i) Motorised rickshaws have poor braking system, (ii) the centre of gravity of these rickshaws make it prone to role over, (iii) the pullers do not have necessary skill and experience to drive the rickshaw at speeds of 30-40km/hr which is the usual speed of these rickshaws, and (iv) the pullers have little or no knowledge of traffic rules and road safety.
If our intention is to use motorised vehicles to address the public transport demand, we should focus on safe motorised transport systems that can transport more people using less space, for example bus or rail. Unfortunately, motorised rickshaws do not fit in this criterion. To address the transport need of the people who do not have access to a personal vehicle, it is essential to provide a diverse, integrated, inclusive, affordable and accessible public transport system. In addition, the authority needs to provide a continuous network of sidewalk and bicycle lanes.
Ridwan Quaium
Transportation engineer working in Thailand
ridwanq@gmail.com
Rebuttal to \\\'A case for motorised rickshaws\\\'
FE Team | Published: June 30, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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