In the past few years, we have watched tuk tuks increase in Mombasa streets. The rapid rise in its numbers clearly shows that the business is profitable.
However in Mombasa, one can confidently say that tuk tuks have become the major means of transport in some areas and have even replaced matatus.
For example, the Ferry to Shelly beach route in Likoni area has been dominated by them.
Here are some reasons why tuk tuks have become popular particularly in Mombasa.
1. They are cheaper than taxis
Before tuk tuks came to be, one could only use a taxi when he/she wanted to commute privately from one place to another. Most taxis or private cars are expensive and their prices range from about 300-400 shillings. Today, one can use only Sh50-100 and travel as a VIP in a tuk tuk.
2. Navigate even in to the interior areas
Mostly matatus operate under a certain route and specific stages. Therefore, if your home is far from the stage, you have no option rather than walking.
The small nature and model of tuk tuks has enabled it to use even the tiniest routes that normal public service vehicles cannot use. This has highly reduced the walking distances some people had to cover even after using a matatu.
3. They are convenient.
Tuk tuks can only carry a maximum of three passengers or in some cases four. This means that one doesn't waste so much time while waiting for it to fill. Unlike in a matatu where a maximum of fourteen people is required.
Also, its small nature enables it to use shortcuts thus reducing jams in the roads.