I know if we were to choose our favorite Mode of Transportation, many of us will delightfully say; “By Air”.
But, if someone was to ask; “what mode of transportation do you use the most?” It would most probably be; 'by road’ except you belong to the Royal family or are a Diplomat or something or you live in a place like Venice, I doubt your answer will be any other, than; by road.
On road, there are several vehicles of transportation, right? Which Vehicle of transportation do you frequent the most?
Lagos and the Autorickshaw called ‘Keke Marwa’
The one I use the most is called; “Keke Marwa” in Lagos state. It is a three-wheeled Autorickshaw used in the suburbs of Lagos.
It is banned from all Major Expressways and Urban Centers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Keke literally means; “vehicle” or “cycle”. Mohammed Buba Marwa was the Governor of Lagos State who introduced and imported the Autorickshaw to Lagos in his Poverty Alleviation Scheme.
FOR ME
For all my “running around” during the week, I use Keke Marwa because;
- It is safer than Motorcycles
- It occupies less space on the road than the Commercial buses, so it is a ‘time-saver’ during severe traffic gridlock.
- It saves time! The other time, the driver took me to the market, I left him in the traffic and took a bike before hooking up with a ‘Keke Marwa’. I got home at least three hours before the driver.
FOR THE MOTORISTS
Other road users especially Many motorists hate the Keke Marwa because; they try to squeeze and fit into the spaces meant for the Pedestrian walk, the Motorcyclists are angry because they encroach on their spaces (colloquially; “they shook head”
), while the Motorists find them to be irritating because; they try to outrun and overtake the Motor Vehicles, even though they have neither the Stamina nor the strength.
watch this 9-seconds-video to find out.
This Video was shot at Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos; the biggest International Market of Home Appliances and Electronics in Nigeria and the home of Imu-Ahia**; the Apprenticeship system that ensures that a new trader never has to rely on loans for startup.**
In India, they call this “Taxi”, right?
Please share with me your most frequent way of getting around in your Locality.