Tuesday, 17 May 2011

Self-Owned Rickshaws VS. Commercial Rickshaws

In the past, rickshaws were mainly self-owned and the sole purpose of having a rickshaw was to earn a living by transporting commuters. Being the main mode of transportation at that time, rickshaws were highly popular and rickshaw drivers were able to bring home all their earnings for the day.

Running bare-footed under the scorching sun, Rickshaw drivers in the past suffered from blisters and aches as the rickshaws were carried over their shoulders.


Nowadays, rickshaws are used for commercial purposes. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has decided to adopt rickshaws as one of its tourist attractions in Singapore. Instead of being self-owned, rickshaws now can only be hired through bookings and reservations.

We came across a company at Albert Mall called, “Trishaw Uncle”, specializes in promoting rickshaws as a tourist attraction around Bugis area, where they offer attractive packages to tourists and even locals. However, the rickshaws are all owned by the company and they have a list of drivers who will be assigned to a rickshaw to ride upon booking.
The purpose of rickshaws has evolved over time. As the nation progresses into tertiary services, rickshaws have been commercialized and licensed into a tourist attraction. Will rickshaws cease to exist one day?

By: Siti Maisarah

Sources: http://trishawuncle.com.sg/html/tours_experiences/tours_experiences_01.html
       

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