The Editor,
I would like to be among the first to congratulate the first
vice governor on his plan for cyclo drivers to wear uniforms. This will make
them and Phnom Penh much more attractive to tourists who are known to have
stayed away in huge numbers due to the sight of dirty cyclo drivers. The city of
Phnom Penh could now become full of tourists who need have no fear of being
nauseated by the sight of cyclo drivers pretending to be poor.
However, I
wonder if this goes far enough. What about the passengers? Many of them also
have clothing which makes them look just like poor people.
The fact that
the cyclo drivers are clean and smart could make the passengers seem even more
dirty, ill-clothed and unkempt. As a regular cyclo passenger I am worried and
would like to suggest that the following two options be considered:
- Each cyclo should carry two spare sets of clothes, one for women, one for
men to be used by the passengers.
- By taking a lesson from the preferred symbol of the rich and famous, i.e.
black plastic on the windows of the Merc, why not make a black plastic cabin to
completely cover the passenger from the view of unsuspecting people who might
accidentally cast their eyes on the cyclo as it passes.
If either of these suggestions is taken up, the resulting influx of tourists
is sure to reach record levels within a few months.
PS. Will the uniforms
be strong enough to protect both driver and passenger when the cyclo turns over
because it has gone into another pot hole or open drain?
- David Hayter, Phnom Penh.
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