Monthu Lobo's tuk-tuk goes on and on

Monthu Lobo’s tuk-tuk may be considered as Mangalore’s safest auto-rickshaw, as this driver has an experience of over 52 years and a record of not meeting with an accident even once.

Speaking to City Herald, Monthu Lobo (75) goes down the memory lane and remembers his first drive on a Lambretta Auto Rickshaw as a youth in early twenties.

“The concept of rickshaw was new in the 1950s. Mangalore roads were ruled by bullock and horse carts. I was fascinated with this vehicle and I thought if I learn to drive this, I shall be successful,” he said and added that there were around seven auto-rickshaws in Mangalore then and he was the driver for one of them.

“Achuthya Salian Gorigudda, a businessman had two auto rickshaws and he hired me for a salary of Rs 150 a month,” he smiles.

There were no driving schools back then. Learning to drive the rickshaw was a Herculean task.

“I was taught the basics of driving by a garage mechanic. The rest I learnt on my own,” he says.

The minimum fare for the rickshaw was 0.25 paise back then. “We had a rickshaw stand near old bus stand. However, traveling by paying 0.25 paise was a luxury at that time. Only the rich used to opt for the rickshaws,” says Lobo who also speaks about people’s fears when they see a tuk-tuk.

“Many were sacred of the tuk-tuks, may be for its weird cage-like shape. Many used to move back when they see a rickshaw and I used to get a lot of stares,” says Lobo who adds that whenever a rickshaw used to get spoilt, it was a big headache. The spare parts were available only in Bangalore and one had to travel all the way only to buy parts, he says.

“I drove a rented auto for many years and managed to buy my own in 2001. Today, there are more than 5,000 autos in Mangalore alone. The price of petrol has risen drastically but people can recover their money as there are many who opt to travel by rickshaws,” reveals Lobo who adds that with time the huge Lambrettas are replaced by the Bajaj and Ape auto-rickshaws.

Giving away his secret on not meeting with an accident, Lobo says, “I drive systematically and follow all the rules. I have seen many who speed up and break several traffic rules and end up in trouble. If one does things systematically, then there will be no mistakes”.

Lobo will finish 53 years of driving on January 10. Even today, he can be found waiting sharp at 4.30 am at Kankanady Bypass for his first customer.

“I plan to continue till I have strength in me. I have married my two daughters, brought up a son with this profession. My wife Eliza has been my support,” says Lobo.

Monthu Lobo’s dedication has been recognised by the District Administration, RTO and the Police Department. He has been conferred with a recognition award on the occasion of the 19th National Road Safety Week.

“I had never applied for this award. When the RTO went through the records, they found out that I was one of the oldest auto-drivers with a very clean record. When they told that they will felicitate me, I felt as if all my hard work had paid off. It was one of the best moments of my life,” says Lobo.

A huge devotee of Mother Mary, Lobo is involved in various social works.  He is also considered as the first citizen of the Mangalore Mahanagara Auto Chalakara Sangha.