Tap tap
Tap taps are gaily painted buses[1] or pick-up trucks with metal covers[2] that serve as share taxis in Haiti. They may also be referred to as camionette.[3]
Literally meaning "quick quick",[4] these vehicles for hire are privately owned and ornately decorated.[1] They follow fixed routes, won't leave until filled with passengers, and riders can disembark at any point in the journey.[5]
Decoration[edit]
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Often painted with religious names or slogans,[4] the tap tap is known for its lavish decoration, and many feature wild colors, portraits of famous people, such as Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson and intricate, hand-cut wooden window covers, some window covers are also made of metal.[1]
Travel warnings[edit]
Many developed countries inform their citizens to not take tap taps when visiting Haiti.
Canada[edit]
While saying not to use any form of public transport in Haiti, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against tap tap travel especially.[6]
United States[edit]
The US State Department warns travelers not to use tap taps "because they are often overloaded, mechanically noisy, and driven unsafely."[7]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Haiti's 'Tap Tap' Bus Art Flourishes After Quake PBS Newshour, March 30, 2010
- ^ Haiti: Tap-taps traveladventures.org
- ^ Paul Clammer, Michael Grosberg, Jens Porup (2008). Dominican Republic and Haiti (4th ed.). Lonely Planet. p. 355. ISBN 9781741042924.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- ^ a b Tap-tap, fula-fula, kia-kia: The Haitian bus in Atlantic perspective. Thompson, Robert Farris. African Arts. Los Angeles: Spring 1996. Vol. 29, Iss. 2; p. 36
- ^ My Haiti Picture for today : Tap-Tap katianovetsaintlot.blogspot.com, February 9, 2010
- ^ TRAVEL REPORT Haiti: 9. Travel and Currency Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Official Site
- ^ Travel Warning: Haiti US Department of State Official Site, January 20, 2011
See also[edit]
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