Operation of auto rickshaws in Beledweyne increases rapidly

The number of auto rickshaws in Baledweyne is increasing rapidly as they gain popularity for their ability to access areas where ordinary vehicles cannot reach.

“There was a growth in this year because it is accepted more widely in the Baldweyne town and increased access to financing,” said one of rickshaw riders in the town.

The rickshaws are also more commercially attractive to investors as it has a higher passenger and luggage capacity and can also do rough terrain.

There have been fears that the auto rickshaw business was getting saturated making it less attractive in Hiraan region, but this rider pointed out that opportunities remained as some people were exiting in favour of other businesses.

Through this, rickshaws have created many employment opportunities especially among the youth, according to Mohamed Abdi, who owns a rickshaw and an auto operator in Baledweyne.

Auto-rickshaws in Baledweyne  have begun to give the unreliable taxis a run for their money by launching economy services for short-distance commutes.

“To solve everyday problems of commuters and strollers in Baledweyne , we have launched our service at low fares, so that local commuting is economical, reliable and comfortable” said Abdi.