As evening fell, the last rays of sunlight slanted down onto the road in front of the Outpatient Department ( An Giang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, Long Xuyen City). Just after 4 PM, I encountered Mr. Nghia, a man in his sixties, with a sturdy build, tanned skin, and a quiet yet gentle gaze. His old motorbike had become an integral part of his life, a testament to his many years of hard work and struggle to make a living.
Mr. Nghia (residing in My Thoi ward, Long Xuyen city) has been a motorbike taxi driver for over 32 years. From the time this profession was thriving until now, when electric taxis and ride-hailing services cover every street, he still chooses to sit at his familiar spot to pick up customers. “I work from 5 am to 6 pm every day. Most of my customers are people going to the doctor; I take them to the An Hoa ferry terminal… Each trip only costs 10,000 - 15,000 VND,” he said, his voice even as he recounted a story that has become a habit.
Being a motorbike taxi driver used to help him support his whole family. Now, in his old age, he still has to continue the job to make ends meet, because his wife sells lottery tickets, his children have their own families, and everyone is busy with their own lives. On a normal day, he earns 70,000 - 80,000 dong. On weekends, when the hospital is closed and there are fewer customers, sometimes he only earns 40,000 - 50,000 dong. "It's a struggle to make ends meet, not a comfortable life," he said with a slight smile. His eyes looked distant as he talked about the changes in the profession: "In the past, having customers was a joy. Now people all use electric taxis. They're cheaper and safer. For example, if three people go to Chau Thanh, it costs about 100,000 dong. Taking a motorbike taxi alone would cost one and a half times that. Who uses motorbike taxis anymore?" He said the motorbike taxi profession is now outdated, with only a few people remaining thanks to connections, taking their children to school, or carrying small items...
Ride-hailing drivers transport students home after school.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it's not just men who work as motorbike taxi drivers; women are also stepping onto the back of the motorbike and taking the handlebars to make a living. Ms. Duong Thi Kim Loan (owner of a small coffee shop on Ha Hoang Ho Street, My Xuyen Ward, Long Xuyen City) is one of them. Besides selling coffee, she also works as a motorbike taxi driver and accepts deliveries on demand. “I started during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was nothing to do at home, so I took my motorbike to earn extra money. At first, I was hesitant, but now I'm used to it.” Every day, she starts at 4 am, selling goods while waiting for customers to call for a ride. Some days, she carries large packages, going far like to Tien Giang , earning 400,000 - 500,000 VND. But there are also days when she earns nothing because no one calls. “Many customers are elderly people from Oc Eo and Ba The towns (Thoai Son district) who come for medical checkups; they arrive by bus and then call me to take them.” Ms. Loan doesn't just work for the money. Even if someone can't afford the fare, she still gives them a ride. When an elderly person was seriously ill, she took them to the hospital, then asked her husband to help with the paperwork, and then called the patient's family. "Many people think women can't be motorbike taxi drivers. I think it's normal. Regular customers will call when they arrive; if they're unfamiliar or hesitant, I'll ask someone else," she explained.
While Mr. Nghia and Ms. Loan stick with traditional motorbike taxis, Mr. Ngo Minh Thai, a driver for the "Technology Shipper" app, chose this job for its flexibility. "I drive from 9 am until late at night. I monitor the app, and when there's an order, I go. I have control over my time." For Thai, technology is a powerful tool: clear location tracking, no need to haggle, and knowing the price beforehand. "Except when the app malfunctions or the customer is drunk, everything else is fine." Similarly, Cao Tieu Bao (a student studying in Long Xuyen City) works as a technology shipper to make ends meet. "Sitting in a coffee shop monitoring orders. Sometimes it's fun, like delivering a drink and the customer doesn't have the key to open the door, so I have to give them the drink for free." For Bao, this is just a temporary job. After graduation, he will find a more stable profession. But in each of his current rides, he still learns about challenges, patience, and connections in life.
In the bustling city streets, the wheels of motorbike taxis continue to roll steadily day after day. Without the noise or glamour, these drivers quietly carry their life stories behind their bikes: stories of hardship and bitterness, but also stories of humanity and kindness that are immeasurable!
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/chuyen-doi-sau-tay-lai-xe-om-a423180.html
Comment (0)