(Baonghean.vn) – With the rise of private vehicles and competition from other transportation services such as taxis and buses, the already arduous job of a motorbike taxi driver has become even more difficult...
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| In Vinh City, it is estimated that there are currently around 800-1000 people working as motorbike taxi drivers. They are mainly concentrated at train and bus stations, bus stops, hospitals, etc. |
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| Those working at bus stops, train stations, etc., face much fierlier competition from taxis and other professionals than those working at street corners, alleyways, and other less prominent locations. |
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| Nguyen Van Khanh, a motorbike taxi driver from Nghi Van, said: "It used to be easier to make a living, but in recent years, taxis have developed strongly, and buses now reach most routes in the city, so the number of customers is very inconsistent." |
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| To attract customers, many motorbike taxi drivers disregard the danger and drive into the middle of the road, chasing after passenger cars and buses before they even stop, in order to compete for passengers. |
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| To prevent two drivers from competing for the same customer, motorbike taxi drivers "select" customers by loudly announcing the characteristics of the customer they've chosen: "Red shirt, red shirt!"; "Wearing glasses and carrying a backpack!"... |
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| Unlike the hustle and bustle at bus stations and bus stops, Mr. Hoang Duy Xich's (63 years old) job at the intersection of Nguyen Duc Canh and Le Hong Phong is more peaceful, as although he has few customers, most of them are regulars. |
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| Those who make a living as motorbike taxi drivers but live far from home often eat and rest at the station to save on fuel costs. When there are no customers, many of them put their feet up on the motorbike and take a nap. |
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| The motorbike taxi job may seem simple, but it's actually a risky and dangerous profession. Many incidents of disturbances and injuries have occurred due to customers being snatched. The practice of stealing, competing for, and aggressively soliciting customers by motorbike taxi drivers is also being criticized by many tourists and locals. |
Thanh Cuong
