India and auto rickshaws: a symbiotic relationship

For convenience sake, we can call an auto rickshaw an 'auto' or a 'rick'. You go to any of Indian cities you can find this little three-wheeler which you can hire anytime.

Normally three people can travel in a rick, in addition to the driver. Such autos look like this;

However there are bigger ricks which can carry 4 passengers in addition to the driver as you can see here

Though there are concept auto rickshaws like the following are designed, they are not yet out in the street because of economic viability issues.

Next post: What to expect and what not to!

Chapter 1: An autorickshaw

This is what it is :)

An auto rickshaw is generally characterized by a sheet-metal body or open frame resting on three wheels, a canvas roof with drop-down sides, a small cabin in the front of the vehicle for the driver (sometimes called an auto-wallah), and seating space for up to three passengers in the rear. They are generally fitted with an air-cooled scooter version of a two-stroke engine, with handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel.

So What? Why am I giving this info about auto rickshaws??

Continues...