Hiiraan Online

The motorcycle taxi service aims not only to provide a cheaper alternative to regular taxis, but also to support security improvements in Mogadishu by steering idle youth away from illicit activities, Shaqo Abuur Manager Mohamed Olow said.

Shaqo Abuur is a partnership of seven Mogadishu men, who collectively invested $50,000 in the company, he said.

"Since God has given us a bit of money, we want to do what we can to encourage peace and the youth," Olow told Sabahi, adding that he hopes to hire 70 youths for the company's fleet of 50 three-wheeler taxis.

The Shaqo Abuur service operates in the capital from 6 am to 11 pm and the maximum fare is $2. Each driver is expected to give the company $16 per day from accumulated fares and keep the balance.

"The profit we look for is minimal compared to how much the youth who operate them make and how happy they are with their work," Olow said. "Seeing this encourages us to bring more motorcycle taxis to expand our programme."

Happy drivers

Abdi Hassan, 28, told Sabahi he was happy that he found an employment opportunity driving for Shaqo Abuur.

"I make at least $35 [a day] and at times more, and it is a huge improvement over my life when I was unemployed," Hassan said, adding that many of his fellow workers share his enthusiasm.

The service gives young people badly needed jobs, but also offers passengers an alternative to public transportation and an easy option for getting around town, said 35-year-old Shaqo Abuur driver Mohamed Muse.

"Sometimes when you have a passenger you will see many people trying to hail you from the side of the road," Muse said. "At times I even take another passenger going to the same place as the one I already have, and they split the fare. Therefore, the list of benefits cannot be summarised."

Mohamed Jama, 35, who drives a regular cab, does not see the new motorcycle taxis as competition.

"I welcome anyone who works," Jama said. "Motorcycle taxis are among the employment opportunities created for the youth. I do not think it will have any impact on our taxi business, because people are not all of the same economic means and preference. It is necessary to cover the needs of the person who cannot afford to rent a taxi."

Taxi services using clearly marked cars returned to the streets of Mogadishu in 2013, after a 22-year absence, with fares ranging between $5-$10.

Head of Somalia's traffic police General Ali Hirsi Barre, also known as Ali Gaab, said his department has taken measures to prevent motorcycle taxis from being used in terrorist plots or other criminal activities.

"We immediately registered the full names of the individuals who own them and those who operate them and have created licence plates for each motorcycle taxi," he told Sabahi. "We do not want to hinder anyone who wishes to take part in creating jobs for youth, but we will work to ensure that [motorcycles] are not used for anything that interferes with security."