My City's Common Transportation: The MOTORELA (Modified Motorized Philippine Tricycle)
If you travel to my city, Cagayan de Oro, you would find these modified motorized tricycle called "motorela". It's design is different than an ordinary tricycle, it is a motorcycled version of the Philippine jeepney.
The motorela was invented in 1964 by Rafael D. Floirendo Sr. , with a filed patent registration 2243. The motorela has a maximum capacity of seven passengers: 1 driver and 6 passengers. But it could seat 8 if the driver insists to add more.The body is built around a single motorcycle, the driver's seat in front and the rest of the passengers at the back. The passenger part has an added two rear wheels for support. Two adjacent benches at the rear part serve as passenger seats with a maximum of 3 persons on each bench. There are big open windows on each side to provide adequate ventilation. In case it rains, attached rolled plastic tarps are pulled down for covering.
The motorcyle brands use to build a motorela is usually a Yamaha STX 125, Honda TMX 155 or a Kawasaki Barako 175. These motorcycles are best for driving on an uphill terrain. The motorela rides on a speed of 20 - 50 km/hour within city limits.
Yamaha STX 125
125cc, 4 stroke engine
image source
Motorela owners can customize the interiors of their unit. They put names, quotes, picture with frames, curtains and even boom boxes. The names of the owners/operators are painted on the vehicle in case of emergencies and accidents, they are easily remembered.
I usually ride a motorela on the way to work and going home. It's best to ride it if you're not in a hurry. It's color-coded as well, the color of the motorela signify the city routes they travel to. I always ride the green one whenever I commute.
Although it's a small vehicle, it is still convenient to ride on. The downside is it's not comfortable for plus-size and very tall people due to the tiny space. Also, if you're not into riding face to face with fellow passengers then this ride is not for you. But if you want to converse with the people you're with or say hello and make new friends during your ride this can be convenient too.
If you travel to my city, don't forget to experience a motorela ride!
As we all say in our Cebuano/Kagay-anon dialect: Laag ta bai! (Let's travel and see places, friend!)
sources:
http://www.clix.com.ph/the-motorela-a-unique-cdo-attraction/
http://www.mindanaoan.com/2016/06/motorela-cdo-philippines/
thanks for the post
looks soo funny and usefull
The ride is cheap too! Thanks for reading! :)
Haha! I liked your post and what a funny transportation vehicle.
Thanks for reading, indeed one of a kind! :)
For me, English is a second language.
So I use Google Translator.
It would be fun to ride the motorela with you.
Thank you for your post.
Have a happy day~:D
Thank you for reading, glad you like my post! Sure, let's ride together! :)
Because of the incident that happened some time ago.
I am worried about traveling to the Philippines.
Are you safe?
I am a frightened man ^^
I hope to be able to travel to your city.
What happened? Care to share? You need to be extra careful and have friends that can be trusted and who knows the area you are traveling.
thank you!
I'll read your other posts.
And if I have any questions,
I will ask about it^^
Hi Shellany. I didn't know if you know mepero baka pwede humingi ng favor kay Darth or atleast Darth's account? Gusto lang sana namin na ma promote ang philippine Discord group baka pwede nyo kame tulungan?
https://discord.gg/YC69y
Thanks and i'll send prayers for darth's fast recovery :)
I'll let him know.
Thank you po
Thant looks like fun and a bit scary at the same time!
Glad you find it interesting. :)
Great work!
Congratulations! This post has been upvoted & resteemed by @philippinetrail. We thank you for any support that you can give (Upvote, resteem, donate, delegate, or even comment). Join our Facebook Group if you're a Filipino or living in the Philippines.
Please upvote this comment so we can continue to build this account if you like this initiative.
Courtesy @deveerei