All About Indian Auto Rickshaws

In New York, people stand at the edge of a walkway, stick out their hands, and a taxi picks them up. In Chicago, people stand at the edge of a walkway, stick out their hands, and a taxi picks them up. In London, people stand at the edge of a walkway, stick out their hands, and a taxi picks them up. But in India, people stand at the edge of a dirt path, stick out their hands, and an auto rickshaw picks them up. Two differences exist: the dirt path and an auto rickshaw. We'll just explore the latter.

Well, what the heck is an auto rickshaw anyway? You've probably seen a bicycle rickshaw or pedicab (literally human-powered cab). Though an uncommon sight in America, bicycle rickshaws sometimes are used as a novelty means of transportation. An auto rickshaw is essentially a bicycle rickshaw on steroids, which are more commonly referred to as gallons of gasoline. Auto rickshaws have a tricycle type shape, because of their three wheels. However, unlike a tricycle, auto rickshaws are enclosed tightly on all areas except for the doors. The doors are usually empty, but sometimes have a shower curtain type covering to keep out Auto rickshaws have a maximum capacity of three passengers and one driver, but often people will cram in many more people, though this is against Indian law in many cities. Auto rickshaws are typically colored black with bold yellow borders.

Riding in an Indian auto rickshaw is an adventure. There are no seat belts, certainly no air bags, and if you were thinking of asking, no, you cannot call "On-Star" if you have rickshaw trouble. Riding an auto rickshaw is a bit like riding a roller coaster except you stay firmly on the ground. Everyone in the rickshaw can feel the G-forces pulling you as the auto-wallah (Indian term for rickshaw driver) makes a tight turn. Occasionally, a person looking for an auto rickshaw will get an auto wallahs similar to the taxi drivers in the game "Crazy Taxi". If you are unlucky enough to get one of these, keep some paper barf bags on hand. If an auto rickshaw get stuck in traffic, the passengers may encounter some beggars hoping to get a few rupees from you. Be aware that they target white tourists, as most Indians know that giving money to beggars is not helping any noble cause. Regardless of whether beggars approach a rickshaw, the permanently open window makes everything more enjoyable.

A common stereotype exists that Indians are cheap when buying and downright dirty when selling; if you agree to mow an Indian's lawn for twenty dollars, they'll say you made a half-assed effort and only give you ten bucks. Unlike most stereotypes, this one is absolutely and completely true. The auto-wallahs are an excellent example of this Indian stereotype. Many auto rickshaws do not have meters, and sometimes, even if an auto rickshaw has a meter, the auto-wallah will refuse to turn it on. Many auto-wallahs have faulty meters which charge you extra or can be tampered with easily. With rickshaws lacking meters, bargaining is key in negotiating rates. If you are not a local, the auto-wallah will fleece you for every penny you have. For example, in Mumbai, if you do not talk in "gutter talk", auto-wallahs will double the rates. If you are traveling at odd hours, rates will suddenly go up by double or triple, as the auto-wallah knows you need them more than they need you. However, not all auto-wallahs are terrible. In a few cities such as Calicut in Kerala, the rickshaw drivers are known to be unusually helpful and friendly. But in general, be on your guard against auto-wallahs.

If after reading this, you're dieing to ride in an auto-rickshaw, but you live in the U.S., you're pretty much out of luck. There are a few auto rickshaws in London, but it is still tough to find one there. Of course, you could always buy your own!