One interesting topic is methods of transportation. The locals as well as mzungus (foreigners) travel by these three options:
- Boda bodas – Small mopeds or motorcycles that can be found in almost every street corner. Bodas are considered most dangerous since the drivers have utter disregard for traffic laws and incoming traffic. Drivers often are self taught and have no insurance / license to operate the vehicle. It is true that the bodas weave in and out of traffic jams but they will get you to your destination the fastest. The name boda boda comes from the fact that many years back, bicycles ferried passengers between borders of countries because the distance (no man’s land) between the borders were kilometers apart. These drivers called out “Boda Boda” (border border) to potential passengers – now the bicycles have been replaced by scooters.
- Matatus (taxis) – Matatus are small mini buses that officially carry 14 passengers (though frequently the driver will try to squeeze as many as possible), and travel along the same routes. The buses are about the size of Honda Odyssey vans and are usually white with a blue stripe around them. There is always a driver and a conductor who will hang out of the side window calling for passengers or calling out the destinations. While safer than bodas, matatus are still somewhat dangerous as drivers also speed and often drive recklessly.
- Special Hires (also called taxis) – White sedans that lack meters or markings. These are like taxis in the US and you can also book one by phone if you happen to know a drivers phone number. They drive around town and will call out to potential customers. These are probably the safest method of transportation but will generally cost the most.
Interestingly enough, most cars here in Uganda are Japanese. 90% of cars are Toyotas and rest are Nissans or Datsuns.
No comments:
Post a Comment