Reforming the three - wheeler industry

Chances are that almost everyone in Sri Lanka has taken a ride in a three wheeler at least once. The ubiquitous three wheeler can be seen even in the remotest parts of the country and indeed, in some areas it is the only lifeline to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency. Introduced to Sri Lanka around 1978, the three wheeler has become the common man's mode of transport three decades later. Two wheelers apart, it is still the most affordable vehicle for an ordinary family. The three wheeler industry also provides a livelihood for nearly 300,000 people - count in family members and at least one million people are dependent on the humble contraption.

But there has been and still are, many problems associated with the three wheeler industry. The main problem is that it is a completely unregulated industry. I can buy a three wheeler today and run it for hire tomorrow, no questions asked. A driver's licence is enough for this purpose and some three wheeler drivers do not even have one.

Regulating the three wheeler industry is thus essential. The powerful three wheeler operators union must start this process from within. Some police stations have taken the initiative to register the three wheelers that ply in their areas. Some local bodies too have taken similar action. But this should be an islandwide process regulated by a Central Government authority or the respective provincial councils.

Those who have taken cab rides abroad know how well regulated the taxi industries in those countries are. The driver has to display his ID and registration details for scrutiny by passengers. An accurately calibrated taxi meter is a must and it should be clearly visible to the passengers. The passenger is told about any extra charges - waiting times, tolls etc. A number is also given for any suggestions and/or complaints.

The same process should take place here. I do not know whether the big radio taxi services in this country follow this practice. If not, they should also fall in line. It makes the passenger more secure and confident.

It was just the other day that I saw a three wheeler carrying a sticker proclaiming that it is a 'meter taxi'. Since then, I have seen a few meter taxis plying around Colombo and its suburbs. This is a welcome development - one which has been resisted for so long by three wheeler operators for obvious reasons.

Many three wheeler operators literally take their passengers for a ride, charging far in excess of the actual cost. Moreover, they increase charges instantly when the fuel prices go up, but the reverse does not usually happen.

With the meter on and running, there is no need to haggle. The passenger knows exactly how he or she has to pay at every stage of the journey. We are not certain whether the operators have already agreed on the charge per kilometre, but it is desirable to have a uniform rate across the country. Of course, they should still have the option of negotiating rates for very long journeys, as in the case of radio taxi operators. This will also benefit tourists, as some three wheeler drivers are known to fleece tourists who do not know much about the topography of a given city. Meters should be gradually retrofitted to all three wheelers in the country.

There are several other issues that the authorities should tackle, along with the three wheeler community. Safety, discipline and driver training are just three of them.

These three issues are closely interlinked, though it is worthwhile to ponder on each separately.

Three wheeler owners and drivers must keep their vehicle in top mechanical condition at all times. Mechanical failures can lead to fatal accidents.

Overloading of three wheelers is quite common. It is designed for three passengers and the driver, but we have seen eight or more people literally falling out of three wheelers. (There are some bigger three wheelers which can legally accommodate more than four occupants, but they are rare).

Overloading is grossly unsafe both from personal safety and insurance viewpoints and laws should be enacted to prevent it.

All new three wheelers come with the right passenger side closed, to prevent passengers alighting from that side. Passengers who do so risk getting stuck by oncoming traffic. But some three wheeler operators seem to have removed this structure. Such actions should be made illegal. Owners and drivers of older three wheelers should be encouraged to install such a structure.

Perhaps the local agents for imported three wheelers and local manufacturers of three wheelers can start a concessionary scheme for such installations.

Road Discipline is sorely lacking among most members of the three wheeler community. The three wheelers whizz in and out of traffic, change lanes abruptly, squeeze into whatever space is available in between other vehicles and generally perform many other feats which are not in the realm of road rules.

Reckless, high speed driving is another factor. We have seen many accidents involving three wheelers - and in most instances, the three wheeler driver is at fault. Apart from road discipline, there are instances of three wheeler drivers being rude to passengers - especially while negotiating fares. All these issues should be addressed without delay. A proper training program that includes good driving techniques and road discipline for new three wheeler drivers is vital. This should be part of an envisaged regulation process.

It is heartening to note that almost all new three wheelers on the road are four-stroke models, in anticipation on the impending ban on new two-stroke models. (There is no ban on using two-stroke three wheelers). This is a major boon to the environment.

But in the end, three wheelers really don't mesh with an economy that aspires to reach greater horizons. It is time to think of a locally manufactured, relatively inexpensive four-wheeled electric or gasoline car that can primarily play the role of a taxi. That will also address many safety issues currently associated with three wheelers. The authorities should explore the possibility of phasing in such a service, for which incentives and concessions can be granted to both manufacturers and operators. A well regulated, disciplined taxi service will be a boon to the public.