Auto Rickshaws are the Future of Urban Transport!

Any one who has been to a major city in India, Thailand or countless other developing countries in South East Asia, Africa and South America will tell you: Auto Rickshaws are an amazing part of everyday life. Anyone from a city that has not embraces the auto rickshaw has only to list the hazards and irritations of current transportation options. The first consideration for anyone is always cost and that's where the auto rickshaw starts to show it's colors. Cheap and easy to manufacture these vehicles are easily affordable and retail for less than a high end scooter! An indigenous, emission-friendly auto rickshaw with a four-stroke compressed natural gas (CNG) engine would cost approximately Rs. 73,500. This works out to about $1,300 USD. Local taxes which would increase the price could cover the city's costs and possibly subsidize the cost of the ecologically sound fuel.

Just because auto rickshaws are incredibly cost efficient and vastly more environmentally friendly, what about the other options already in place?
Take a look at Brighton, England where auto rickshaws, called tuctucs have been introduced within the last two years to resounding approval and enjoyment by locals and tourists. In a designated lane and route the tuctucs are a stylish way to not only efficiently get around but to enjoy the journey. So while auto rickshaws appeared to have lost favor in Europe during the 1960's they have been welcomed by new generations who are excited about positive impact the auto rickshaw can have for the problems of congestion in crowded urban areas where getting somewhere fast is a valuable commodity.

Compared with Subways, buses and train lines the auto rickshaw provides a cheap and private way to get around without necessarily being cramped into often dirty or uncomfortable stations and cars with hoards of other commuters. Auto rickshaws are hired one fare at a time, similar to a taxi cab. But unlike taxis the auto rickshaw is an environmentally friendly, stylish and cheap alternative with fewer maintenance stresses for drivers. Yet the auto rickshaw because of it's low price and efficient gas mileage is also affordable to a wide scope of people, unlike private cars and limos.

Auto Rickshaws for pleasure and sport are perhaps the greatest way to spread the word about how urban areas can benefit from these fantastic vehicles. The Indian Auto Rickshaw challenge has opened the door for adventurers and popular culture enthusiasts through the race and international media attention. With ever increasing interest in auto rickshaws in England and annual races it's only a matter of time before your local auto wallah is the one driving you to work each day!