A video showcasing an auto-rickshaw navigating the streets of California has set social media abuzz, sparking a mix of astonishment, amusement, and inquiry among netizens.
The unexpected sight surprised many, particularly those accustomed to seeing these three-wheeled vehicles, also known as tuk-tuks, gracing the bustling avenues of India and neighbouring countries.
The video, shared on Instagram by Manohar Singh Rawat, has garnered over 24,000 likes and ignited a wave of comments.
The caption accompanying the video simply stated "Auto Rikshaw in California. #artesia."
This unanticipated glimpse of an auto-rickshaw in the US triggered a range of reactions, from amusement and intrigue to criticism.
Several viewers expressed a desire for similar public transportation options in the US, with one user commenting, "Much needed public transport in US!!"
Another user recounted their own encounter with an auto abroad, stating, "I was in Artesia yesterday, and they were parked outside the Pioneer Cash & Carry store for people to take pictures!!!"
The video also sparked humorous remarks. One user jokingly inquired, "What's the procedure to get my Maruti Celerio here?" while another playfully asked, "Meter se chalega bro, jamuna par?" (Hindi for "Will it run by meter, or flat rate?" referencing the common fare system in India).
Comparisons were also drawn, with a user commenting, "Wow USA is being converted to India."
However, concerns regarding emissions were raised, with a viewer questioning, "How did it pass the emission requirements?"
The video attracted some negativity as well, with one user making a disparaging remark about "inviting crappy people from 3rd world countries."
This incident is not the first time auto-rickshaws have garnered attention in the US. Last year, a video of US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, arriving at the Delhi embassy in an auto, went viral and received significant online engagement.
Link to the video here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6VPbLOrE5g/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f26e7215-32bf-4d73-a5c5-fda8f25b3011