Tap taps (, ) are gaily painted buses or pick-up trucks with metal coversHaiti: Tap-taps traveladventures.org that serve as share taxis in Haiti. They may also be referred to as camionettes.
Literally meaning "quick quick", these vehicles for hire are privately owned and ornately decorated. They follow fixed routes, won't leave until filled with passengers, and riders can disembark at any point in the journey.My Haiti Picture for today : Tap-Tap katianovetsaintlot.blogspot.com, February 9, 2010
Decoration
Often painted with religious names or slogans,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 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.Haiti's 'Tap Tap' Bus Art Flourishes After Quake PBS Newshour, March 30, 2010
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.TRAVEL REPORT Haiti: 9. Travel and Currency Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Official Site
United States The US State Department warns travelers not to use tap taps "because they are often overloaded, mechanically noisy, and driven unsafely".Travel Warning: Haiti US Department of State Official Site, January 20, 2011
See also
Dekotora Jeepney Jingle truck Chiva bus Auto rickshaw Chicken bus Matatu
References