Motorized pedicabs still chug out a living in Medan<\/p>\n
By Junardi Harahap<\/p>\n
MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Simply built and not much to look
\nat, motorized pedicabs still fill an important role in the
\ntransportation needs of residents of Medan. Found on the main
\nstreets throughout the city, many of the vehicles do indeed date
\nback more than 40 years. But their days may be numbered.<\/p>\n
\"These motorized pedicabs started operations in the 1950s.
\nThus, it could be said the model is behind the times,\"
\nacknowledged driver Poniran, 42.<\/p>\n
They are known for their loud roar audible from afar and
\nbillowing exhaust fumes. For all their deficiencies, they remain
\nin demand because they are cheap. A driver charges Rp 1,500 for a
\nshort-distance ride covering about one kilometer, and two or
\nthree passengers can fit in the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Poniran said that he was formerly a trader but became a driver
\nbecause business was slack.<\/p>\n
\"Actually I don't like being a motorized pedicab driver, but
\neconomic pressures and household requirements have forced me to
\ndo the work,\" he said. \"If there was alternative work, I would
\ntake that. It is stupid to be a motorized pedicab driver, but
\nnever mind if there is no other work.\"<\/p>\n
Japarin, who hails from Padang in West Sumatra, agreed with
\nhis fellow driver.<\/p>\n
\"In fact, becoming a motorized pedicab driver is the most
\nstupid work but what else can we do? There is no other job and we
\nneed money to buy food.\"<\/p>\n
Most drivers rent the vehicles from the owners.<\/p>\n
Daily rental is about Rp 7,000 and usually the vehicle must be
\nreturned to the owner at the end of the day. In some instances
\nthe vehicle is returned in a week's time. The rent is also paid
\non a weekly basis, said Hasan Basri, 52.<\/p>\n
\"I don't work on Sundays. I am happy with it,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Daily earnings of motorized pedicab drivers depend on a number
\nof factors, including a dose of luck.<\/p>\n
\"We earn between about Rp 25,000 and Rp 30,000 per day,\" Basri
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Amir Pohan, 60, said his daily income varied. He said he could
\ntake home as little as Rp 10,000 on a slow day but Rp 30,000 when
\nbusiness was brisk. Amir said his income was usually enough only
\nto get by, but foreign tourists always provide a windfall.<\/p>\n
For long distances, the average fare is Rp 1,000\/km.<\/p>\n
\"Yes, it is enough for food,\" Amir said. \"Anyway, I must see
\nto it that it is enough.\"<\/p>\n
His wife helps supplement the family's income by selling rice
\ncakes and fried delicacies from their home. Clearly, a pedicab
\ndriver's income is not enough to make ends meet.<\/p>\n
The vehicle is actually a motorbike modified by the owner as a
\npedicab in order to make money. Maintenance of motorized pedicabs
\nis fairly simple and can be done by drivers themselves. Spare
\nparts are secondhand; drivers take care of small repairs with
\nmajor ones handled by the vehicle owners.<\/p>\n
\"Small repairs cost on average Rp 2,000. If the cost is higher
\nit will be the vehicle owners' responsibility,\" said Poniran.<\/p>\n
The fuel for motorized pedicabs is a mixture of gasoline and
\nmotor oil, which is available at shops specializing in providing
\nfuel for the vehicles. It costs Rp 1,500 a liter.<\/p>\n
Sitompul, who sells such oil, said that before 1990, he could
\nsell 500 liters a day, earning Rp 750,000. Since early this year
\nhis turnover has declined to 150 liters a day, yielding only Rp
\n225,000.<\/p>\n
\"The drop in sales is caused by the plan to remove motorized
\npedicabs from Medan. Many drivers have changed to other jobs and
\nmany of the vehicles have been sent to other areas to be used
\nthere,\" he said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/motorized-pedicabs-still-chug-out-a-living-in-medan-1447893297",
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