April 2006
Kolkata, the city formally known as 'Calcutta', is the last place on earth where human powered rickshaws are the usual way of getting about. But, is this tradition finally coming to an end?
The Mayor of Kolkata Bikash Bhattacharya believes that "one human being pulling another" is inhumane. But if he doesn't offer alternative employment the wallahs won't stop without a fight. As a taxi driver put it 'It's a face off... fights are about to begin.'
Channel: News & Politics Uploaded: August 8, 2007 at 9:45 am Author:journeymanpictures
Dont humiliate that poor rickshaw guy with such comments. Hes not begging after all and NOT LIVING ON BENEFITS, like many junkies do in the UK!
anotherelvis(Saturday 23rd of August 2008 02:22:48 AM)
I just wondered. What is the price per kilometer of pulled rickshaw versus autorickshaw? Are there many people who can afford pulled rickshaw but not autorickshaw?
maaarshaaa(Saturday 11th of October 2008 11:41:13 AM)
I'm not sure what the price is per km. I was in Kolkata (/Calcutta) back in 2003, and I recall never being asked for more than 10 or 20 rupees for a ride (maybe a 5-10 minute ride. 10-20 rupees = 20-40 cents US). BTW, I felt terrible that a person was pulling me, like a horse and cart, so I usually gave a good tip.
Its a story of demand and supply...and just as simple as opportunity cost....What can you get at what price...not to mention when you have too much man power, guess what?? It gets abused cuz that has no more demand.
rodmeerkat(Saturday 5th of April 2008 03:03:43 PM)
i'm there in 3 mths!!!!!!!!!
suntoucherr(Sunday 20th of April 2008 03:37:03 PM)
