" XE ÔM " SAIGON

Nimble motorcycle taxis, which surpass buses in speed and mobility, comprise one of the most popular modes of transportation in Vietnam, where they are known as "xe ôm". Passengers can get a ride simply by hailing passing operators, or by finding drivers who gather at public places such as schools, markets, hospitals, and bus and train stations. The xe ôm typically carries one passenger, who rides as the pillion behind the motorcycle operator. Multiple passengers are common in Vietnam.

This is a means of mobility, faster, more convenient than buses. Passengers just have to wave for the "xe ôm", do some bargains and then just hugged the bidder; they will be able to make the trip without any troublesome. The "xe ôm" did not necessarily go through the training, they just need to have riding skills (motorbike riding license). "Xe ôm" usually gather at the bus stations, hospitals, schools .... motorbike taxi driver who is relatively hard and sometimes also in danger because of easy car robbed (motorbike rob).

In recent times, the "xe ôm" was no longer in vogue as before because There are fewer passengers than "xe ôm". To earn the passengers, they must fast, persistent, and sometimes ready to fights because others may stole his guests. Not simply welcome, to have passenger, the "xe ôm" must embrace competition and fierce battling with those colleagues.Those who live by this job, have to face not only with danger, looting, but also many times in this "xe ôm"- world encountered situations like solicited sex, childbirth accidents.

In early 2016, in Saigon's appear new form of association includes nearly a thousand motorcycle taxi together to agree on the same price, charging through a switchboard, is called "grabbike". They hope transparency on price and distance, can help motorcycle taxi transport becomes more reliable.