Tap tap
Tap taps are gaily painted buses[1] or pick-up trucks with metal covers[2] that serve as share taxis in Haiti. They may also be referred to as camionette.[3]
Literally meaning "quick quick",[4] these vehicles for hire are privately owned and ornately decorated.[1] They follow fixed routes, won't leave until filled with passengers, and riders can disembark at any point in the journey.[5]
Decoration[]
Often painted with religious names or slogans,[4] the tap tap is known for its lavish decoration, and many feature wild colors, portraits of famous people, such as Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson and intricate, hand-cut wooden window covers, some window covers are also made of metal.[1]
Travel warnings[]
Many developed countries inform their citizens to not take tap taps when visiting Haiti.
Canada[]
While saying not to use any form of public transport in Haiti, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against tap tap travel especially.[6]
United States[]
The US State Department warns travelers not to use tap taps "because they are often overloaded, mechanically noisy, and driven unsafely."[7]
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Haiti's 'Tap Tap' Bus Art Flourishes After Quake PBS Newshour, March 30, 2010
- ^ Haiti: Tap-taps traveladventures.org
- ^ Paul Clammer, Michael Grosberg, Jens Porup (2008). Dominican Republic and Haiti (4th ed.). Lonely Planet. p. 355. ISBN 9781741042924.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- ^ Jump up to: a b Tap-tap, fula-fula, kia-kia: The Haitian bus in Atlantic perspective. Thompson, Robert Farris. African Arts. Los Angeles: Spring 1996. Vol. 29, Iss. 2; p. 36
- ^ My Haiti Picture for today : Tap-Tap katianovetsaintlot.blogspot.com, February 9, 2010
- ^ TRAVEL REPORT Haiti: 9. Travel and Currency Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Official Site
- ^ Travel Warning: Haiti US Department of State Official Site, January 20, 2011
See also[]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tap tap. |
- Dekotora
- Jeepney
- Jingle truck
- Chiva bus
- Auto rickshaw
- Chicken bus
- Matatu
- Share taxis
- Transport stubs
- Haiti stubs
- Road transport in Haiti
- Decorated vehicles
- Buses by type