Motorcycle taxi

Drivers of motorcycle taxis in Bangkok wear orange vests.

A motorcycle taxi is a licensed form of transport in some countries. Typically, the taxi carries one passenger, and sometimes two or more who ride as the pillion, behind the motorcycle operator.

Mainland China

In mainland China, use of motorcycle taxis can be traced back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. The motorcycle taxis are present throughout China, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Their popularity is based primarily on their low price: Short trips cost just 5 RMB (less than $1 US) per person.

Cambodia

In Phnom Penh and other cities in Cambodia, motorcycle taxis are the primary form of public transport. Motorcycle taxi drivers are called motodups. They form in queues outside major tourist attractions, office buildings, public markets and near the corners of residential streets. In Phnom Penh, a typical motodup ride costs around 2,000 riel.

Cameroon

In Maroua in Cameroon, the most common way to get around is by motorcycle taxis. Most motorcycles are used with more than one passenger. Sometimes you can see four children being driven by a driver on one motorcycle. Helmets are rarely used, but the speed and traffic is moderate. Short distances in the city cost about 200 XAF Franc (about 0,30 USD).

India

'Pilots' wait for customers at this motorcycle taxi stand in Vasco da Gama, Goa

Motorcycle taxis are a licensed form of transport in Goa, India. They are much cheaper than other taxis, although the lone passenger can only carry a backpack as luggage. Motorcycle taxis in Goa are driven by men called 'pilots'. By law, in some parts of the state, the rider is expected to wear a helmet, but the pillion-rider is not. These motorcycle taxis can normally be identified by their yellow-and-black coloured paint. The fare should be fixed in advance, and the rides are not metered.

Indonesia

Motorcycle taxis in Indonesia

Motorcycle taxis (ojek) are a very common unlicensed form of transport in Indonesia. Commonly called ojek, they can be found in most areas of the country, from towns where traffic jams sometimes greatly hinder other forms of transport to rural areas areas where four-wheeled vehicles cannot travel. Would-be passengers usually haggle with the driver over the fee which is generally around IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000 (about 50¢ to US$ 1) for short trips.

Many motorcycle taxi drivers own their vehicles or are paying installments for them through credit. The availability of cheap Indonesian-made motorcycles from Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki and some cheaper Chinese imports combined with the ease with which driver's licenses can be obtained and credit schemes has resulted in the rapid growth of motorcycle taxis. In several areas, the motorcycles used are often stolen ones without any papers.

Indonesian law requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets. However often only the driver does so. Sometimes drivers provide a helmet for the passenger but more likely drivers will simply avoid larger streets where police might catch the violation.

Because of traffic, ojek are often the fastest form of transport, especially in Jakarta. Many people choose ojek rather than taxis because although taxis are much safer, ojek are cheaper can easily manoeuvre through the traffic.

Philippines

The Philippines has sidecar taxis as well as "habal-habal" - motorcycle taxis with extended seats, often sideways by a T-shaped crossbeam, and then "tricycles," covered three-wheel autorickshaws.

Sweden

In 1994–1995 there were several motorcycles working as taxis in Stockholm. Due to the Northern climate of Sweden, there is not a long period for a motorcycle taxi to work in Stockholm, and so it remains only a niche industry. As of 2011 there is one company offering tours using two Chang jiang sidecar motorcycles.^{[citation needed]}

Thailand

Motorcycle taxis (มอเตอร์ไซค์รับจ้าง møtoēsai rapjāng) are common forms for public transport in Bangkok and most other cities, towns and villages in Thailand. They are generally used for short trips. In Bangkok, there are motorcycle taxi queues on many sois, or side-streets, and the queues are regulated by the city's government. Licensed motorcycle-taxi operators wear orange vests. In compliance with Thailand's helmet law, many (but not all) carry a spare helmet to offer to passengers.

United Kingdom

A motorcycle taxi waiting for passenger in London

The industry began in 1990 and has established itself as a niche market, never growing past a total of 15 bikes.^{[citation needed]} All equipment is provided for the passenger along with an intercom system linking the rider and passenger. The luggage rack means a cabin-sized suitcase can be taken on the back for convenient trips to local airports, especially Stansted, Gatwick and City. The bikes are now licensed by Transport for London and the Public Carriage Office, (PCO) who also license London's black cabs. There are currently 3 firms offering a taxi bike service based in London.

United States

A motorcycle for hire service began in California and New York City in 2011. Like a sedan service, random passengers may not hail the motorcycles, but rather a yearly individual or corporate membership fee, plus an hourly rate, is charged. Experienced riders, many former police motorcyclists, carry clients on Honda Gold Wings, and in California can bypass traffic congestion by lane splitting. Passengers are provided with helmets, airbag vests, and Bluetooth in-helmet cell phones. Besides the Gold Wings, the service bought several Can-Am Spyders before realizing they were not capable of splitting lanes.

Vietnam

A vietnamese xe om driver and his passenger

Locally known as xe ôm, this lightweight mode of transportation is one of the most popular in Vietnam. It surpasses buses when it comes to speed and mobility. Passengers can get a ride simply by waving at passing operators. Alternatively they can find drivers who usually gather at public places such as schools, markets, hospitals and bus or train stations.

See also

• Okada, commercial motorcycle in Nigeria.
• Boda-boda, the term used in East Africa
• Motocity,in Milan Italy