I've been thinking about this post for the last few days. I'd like to... enlighten/expose/share with? those who haven't spent time in Uganda with the three primary means of transportation in Kampala (capital city).
From most expensive to least:
Special Hire - the special hire is basically the taxi that we're all familiar with. The only difference is that you call one in advance to pick you up, rather than flag one down on the side of the road. It's a pretty big to deal to hire a personal taxi here and most don't do it.
Boda Boda - This is mos def my favorite means of transportation in Kampala. Everywhere you look there are motocycles dodging in and out of traffic, carrying 1-3 passengers (not counting the driver). The principle of the boda is very similar to the American taxi... flag one down, haggle about the price a bit and get from point A to B as fast as possible. I used my little point and shoot (SD750) to take a few quick shots on the Boda on my way here to the café. And know that this is LIGHT traffic:
(sorry for the lame quality... I'm keeping things as simple as possible and super small files)
Taxi - the taxi system here is basically like public transportation. 15 passenger vans everywhere, on route with cheap fares. on every taxi there's the driver, of course, and a 'conductor'. The conductor opens and closes the sliding door and also takes your money. During the day when there are 'traffic police' standing on the roads, Taxis generally keep it 1 person per seat... however, at night they'll pack 'em in.
and that's it for now... I'm gonna go find a boda boda and see if I can track down Sam.
tommy and robin t
love margo