A Guide to Types of Mumbai Rickshaws by A Person Who Uses Them Frequently.
1. The old rickshaw: Fucker will get you anywhere in the city bc he has a shit tone of experience. You will never have to pull out a Google maps and when you tell em you’re in a hurry you will find yourself satisfied.
2. The religious rickshaw: Usually has various religious symbols/idols/prints scattered throughout the rickshaw. Slightly uncomfortable for non-religious or people of other religions. Ideal though for people who want a safe ride bc they will never break safety rules and are really careful. Downside is that they are really slow, do not consider if you are in a hurry.
3. The overly decorated rickshaw: Pretty and cool rickshaw but expect distractions, music and blinding lights if you’re traveling during the night. Young drivers means conversation is expected, older drivers means everything on the first point.
4. The chatty driver: If your on a long trip expect to be pulled into conversation and get their entire life story by the end of it. They can be really preppy though and are extremely polite. When they talk they tend to bounce or swing on their seats in a really cute way, no matter the age. Comment abt everything from the changing of place names to which part of the city they like to drive in and why.
5. The music listener: Drive to the beat of their music. Pray to any god you may or may not believe in that they aren’t listening to rap.
6. The reluctant driver: Hates his job and hates his life but hates people the most. Better to not strike up conversation or get too picky about the route and destination. Also have your change ready before hand and give it to him immediately.
7. That one specific breed of lady driver: Where usually your the one who finds the driver, these ladies will find you. And you will not escape their grasps, forced to ride in their rickshaw if encountered. If unwilling herself, she will drag you to another friend of hers who is willing to take you to your destination. You have no choice.
8. The share auto: There are two types, the one who goes to the station and the one at the station. Usually the ones who go to the station are average and branch into the other types themselves. They will also never leave you directly at the station, but near the rickshaw stand, no matter how far the railway station entrance is. The one at the station though? Fucking amazing. They will weave through traffic like a swordfish through water, dodging and squeezing into and through places like crazy. Always on time and safe despite how it feels.
9. The guy without g-pay: broke and doesn’t have a bank account. Also probably hasn’t been in the business for long no matter the state of their rickshaw.
If anyone’s got more feel free to add!!
