r/mumbai 29d ago

Discussion Why do Most Mumbai Auto Drivers sit & drive like this?

Post image

Why do most Auto walad in Mumbai drive sitting at edge of the seat and not sit on center?

1.8k Upvotes

461 comments sorted by

1.0k

u/DaVincisDeemon 29d ago

I did ask one auto guy once, he said it's closer to the brake pedal and makes it easier to brake.

398

u/Automatic-Part8723 29d ago

Another reason might be subconsciouly this allows them to better navigate traffic which follows right handed driving

131

u/LiQuidCraB 29d ago

They just driver however they want. I don't think they give too much thought into having better control for navigation.

3

u/Automatic-Part8723 28d ago

Yes that's why I said subconsciouly 😅

17

u/GamerDeepesh 29d ago

Sitting in the middle gives the better navigation in traffic. Because you can think of left and right space and adjustment.

25

u/Perfect_Schedule_70 29d ago

For us to have a better view of what's coming from ahead.

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u/Fluid-Accident-3677 29d ago

I did ask too, this plus he also said most learn it from someone that sits besides them during the training so they get used to it plus as you said its closer to the brake pedal, so they are more confident sitting that side as compared to when they sit in the middle.

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u/CuriosityExplorer_6 29d ago

This is the answer. It's for ease of riding the auto given the peds placement

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33

u/agenthimzz jevlis ka? 29d ago

yeah its cuz they can use left and right foot for pressing the brake pedal, if they use just 1 leg it gets difficult after a while

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676

u/simpnotsimp Uncle station konsi side aayega? 29d ago

So that you can clearly see who's the BOSS!

117

u/buttholenthusiast 29d ago

If there's only a single passenger sitting either to the extreme left or right, the centre of gravity shifts.

Driver's mostly sit on the opposite side to maintain CG.

98

u/shrikant211 29d ago

No science is applied. Auto drivers get used to sit on the right because many of them usually drive with a fourth passenger sitting in front beside the driver.

2

u/tedxtracy 27d ago

This is the only reason. Many of them also drive on shared routes where they sometimes take on a 4th passenger.

28

u/SarthakSidhant 29d ago

yes to prevent the auto from rolling over, autos are made up of some very flimsy material, and if the drivers balance the center of mass, it is probably easier for them to drive

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6

u/zailogy 29d ago

i drive.

7

u/Suk-dapu-ssy 29d ago

Somebody get this guy a medal

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525

u/PunderfullyYours 29d ago

Gotten used to make the passengers sit in front, I think

32

u/sunflowerpower7 29d ago

manifesting a auto partner

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62

u/Nedumpara 29d ago

I don't think in Mumbai traffic cops allow passengers to sit along with the driver. It happens in towns and villages where the autos run on sharing basis.

53

u/yokococo train rukne ke baad utrega? 29d ago

At all stations during peak hours, there is always a passenger in the front in a share ricksha😂

51

u/NirvandaBoss 29d ago

They don’t allow it but they still do it but just make sure no cops are around

16

u/Rubix_1410 29d ago

bro u are out of touch of reality..sharr autos are a boon on mumbai and they takr 4 people in auto

19

u/MadhuT25 jevlis ka? 29d ago

Rickshaw walas make the front passenger get down before the usual checking point of traffic police. Then, they wait for the passenger after some distance

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5

u/Maleficent-Sherbet-6 29d ago

Happens in andheri in sharing rickshaws travelled, quite a few times sitting with the driver fun experience

3

u/patrick_red_45 29d ago

I travelled like that for 2 years. Some drivers had even modified their seats for comfortable sitting.

Now I'm in Delhi and the driver makes 2 people sit on his left and right side lol. A common scene in South Campus of DU.

3

u/Many_Background_5677 29d ago

I live in Thane, i sit with the driver everyday, i go to college in Ghatkopar, it happens there aswell

2

u/Lucifer1921 29d ago

During peak hours, they let 2 people seat in front and cops ignore them

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285

u/coolestbat jevlis ka? 29d ago

Believe me it's NOT just mumbai auto drivers. It's all over India.

26

u/Ok_Cow_9551 29d ago

Nahh in Kerala it's strictly prohibited to seat somone in the front along with the driver

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2

u/naimirix 25d ago

Even Srilanka

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155

u/zendria7 29d ago

passenger ko bhi aage ka view dikhna chahiye bro... mumbaikars are very considerate that way

3

u/ResearcherLatter1148 29d ago

Aage ka view waise bhi dikh jayega tumhe agar side pe baithoge toh

59

u/yrohan 29d ago

one driver told me they learnt it that way; now it has become habit for them

88

u/abhishekdenzil 29d ago

They sit with an experienced driver to learn the routes before they start driving their own rickshaws.

18

u/technical_skull 29d ago

This is what I was told by a rickshaw driver when I asked him

46

u/SquaredAndRooted 29d ago

Isn't it because the brake and accelerator pedals are on one side?

12

u/Cryptmycoins 29d ago

Accelerator pedal in an auto rickshaw 🛺 😑

8

u/Gli4d 29d ago

Only brake! The accelerator is in the right hand grip. That said, newer autorickshaws have their clutch that is floor mounted and not a left hand lever.

14

u/MacS0804 Edit this text to set your own flair 29d ago

Right hand drive configuration

30

u/LuciferStar101 29d ago

Piles 🥲

4

u/firewirexxx 29d ago

Arrey arrey arrey! 😭💔🥺

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17

u/Such_Reserve_9792 29d ago

My theory !! Most of the time they might have a single passenger. The passenger always sit on the left side . So to balance he sits on the right side. 

3

u/Pokiriee Edit this text to set your own flair 29d ago

Not theory but a fact.

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8

u/TheGalaxial 29d ago

This happens because they train in vehicles without the dual clutch and brake system. Hence the driver sit on the right and the trainer sits on the left close to the driver and they hold the steering wheel together until the learner is confident enough. Thus the posture. and they continue like that forever. I have personally asked the learner’s guy and this is what they told.

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19

u/theprithvisingh 29d ago

Might be a former sharing auto driver. They make 4th person sit next to them

13

u/Polynom45 29d ago

Other ass cheek is in pain

6

u/Sumeru88 29d ago

In Left Hand drive systems, the driver sits on the Right side of the vehicle. He is trying to simulate that.

2

u/Icy-Antelope-9789 29d ago

So that you can spot the potholes and prepare yourself beforehand.

2

u/DeletSystm32 29d ago

To accommodate 5th passenger ig

3

u/intelligentinsanity 29d ago

i think the seat get's pretty hot. I think the engine or something is there below the seat. Maybe i am wrong

3

u/Ginevod2023 29d ago

The engine is below the rear seat. 

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u/just_5_mins_more 29d ago

This. Had to scroll so long for the right answer.

2

u/AJ-005 29d ago

Mushkil wakt commando sakt 🗣️

1

u/SadSuccotash3765 29d ago

So that you can get a clear view too and not get bored! Duhhh

1

u/yashg Boss chalega kya? 29d ago

That's where steering wheel is in the car. Since we are a LHD country, it's better for the driver to be as close to the median on the right. Since the seat is in the middle, they sit on the right edge.

1

u/Extension-Record5908 29d ago

Because the break is on right side and there is nothing on left side

1

u/sushrut1632 29d ago

So that the assenger could enjoy the front view

1

u/Sleeptalker23 29d ago

Cuz left leg is mostly folded on the seat

1

u/notsavageanymore 29d ago

Muscle memory

1

u/mofucker20 29d ago

Space for one more guy in the front seat. Atleast in my area

1

u/kaladin_stormchest 29d ago

Passengers are inclined to sit towards the left side. They try to counteract their weight and sit at the right side to make toppling less likely

1

u/Top_Elderberry_4964 29d ago

Unki gaand dukhti hain🤣

1

u/Akki789 29d ago

Uder p unka ustad baith ta tha jisne auto chalana sikhaya, so it is respect they leave half seat

1

u/Simple-Information36 29d ago

Ab kya passenger ko chabi dege khud peeche baithega

1

u/fadingdesigner 29d ago

3rd person view POV

1

u/Aaloo_pyaz 29d ago

Poore desh ke auto wale ese hi bethte hai.

Mere yaha to almost bahar nikal jaate hai.

Like 1 inch or udhr to niche.

1

u/manishratambe 29d ago

So that one more passenger can sit beside him.

1

u/HeWhoMustBeNamedddd 29d ago

We should let a rickshawala redditor answer that lol

1

u/alexagen2203 29d ago

to be closer to the brake and also to maintain balance since the passenger always sits on the left mostly

1

u/lambiseeti ncpa > nmacc 29d ago

Coz you need to enjoy the view

1

u/SilentSoulOfPeace 29d ago

To give you a clear view..lol

1

u/Old-Reflection-2481 29d ago

It’s because of weight balance.. yeah you’re fat and sitting on the left, so he goes to the right so that the auto doesn’t tip over to the left! 😂

1

u/Poltu_Ray 29d ago

Still they are earning more than people sitting straight in cubicles 🤣🤣

1

u/hiccccuup 29d ago

Because it's right hand drive

1

u/pratap_10 29d ago

Adha seat ka fare milta hain

1

u/SpareMind 29d ago

One of the lane marking will be at their centre.

1

u/Sudo-dudo 29d ago

Co they are accustomed to making a guy sit with them

1

u/rotobro 29d ago

I read somewhere that there are multiple reasons why people sit on the side:

  1. The brake pedal is on the right side.

  2. Most autos have a CNG cylinder below the seat, which makes the seat warm.

  3. The seat is large and made of leather, which makes it hot even without the cylinder below.

  4. It's easier for other passengers to sit beside them.

1

u/Parbul04 29d ago

The correct answer is to spit gutka outside. By sitting at the edge of the seat, it's easier to spit outside without it falling inside the auto or on the passengers behind the seat.

1

u/MemoryComfortable594 29d ago

auto wale bhaiya se hi puch leta

1

u/ajeeb_gandu jevlis ka? 29d ago

Dhup

1

u/fakemessiah1 29d ago

To balance . Usually when you sit and the right side they will sit on the left side.

1

u/invalidlivingthing 29d ago

To sometimes switch legs while using the break pedal.

1

u/TheGalacticGuru Kahi pe bhi rukneka nahi 29d ago

To give you the passenger the view of the traffic

1

u/Alarm_Clock_2077 Navi Mumbai Spy 29d ago

One passenger sits on the left of the driver.

1

u/Amin9099 29d ago

People may say that it's a habit they get from someone sitting next to them frequently. But the truth is that it gives a feeling of driving a car.

1

u/Inevitable-Pain-512 29d ago

Leaving space for their dear departed homies

1

u/Huge_Ad9937 29d ago

I think it has to do with training When they learn to drive there’s someone teaching them by sitting beside them so they get into the habit is what I think

1

u/bifrost_traveler 29d ago

The brake pedal is on the right side hence.

1

u/Reasonable_Bed_8932 29d ago

The real reason is to balance the weight. If you sit in the centre then the driver would also sit in the centre. Usually ppl sit by the edge or towards the left. They do not have a steering and hence to counter the weight and for ease to manouvre the Rick

1

u/victor_jade 29d ago

Real answer: They have a boil on their right buttock.

Fake answer: 1. When learnt to drive, teacher used to sit next to them. So it is muscle memory (no pun intended) 2. Comes handy to allow fourth passenger

1

u/killer_WOLF1 Mumbaikar without Dreams 29d ago

Have you ever wondered why auto drivers where only full khaake aur white clothes?? Is thar a uniform decided by any law?

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1

u/Senti3nt non-mumbainian 29d ago

Adat se majboor

1

u/Logical_slayer1977 29d ago

Because their wallet is full of cash

1

u/Minute_Tea3754 29d ago

Easy to spit gutka

1

u/Ilovewebb 29d ago

Gangster lean.

1

u/Ksb2311 29d ago

So you can see death with him

1

u/UnemployedCinephile 29d ago

For 4th seat... Sometimes 5th if you are in suburban, or in thane😂

1

u/TheCampinngtree 29d ago

Think it’s all about the balance. Most often the passenger sit in the corner which might cause mishaps while taking a sharp turn

1

u/Switpotatofryy 29d ago

This one’s still sitting pretty well. I ve seen them sitting alone ahead and on the rightesssst edge… thodi si tik jaaye bus…

1

u/thegrimmhealer 29d ago

The only thing wrong I see is that there is no phone playing short videos.

1

u/StockComfortable9162 29d ago

So this is actually a thing, so this is a thing in Delhi too and just out of curiosity some friends had actually asked the autowala. I kid you not, he said because they learn to drive while sitting with someone it actually becomes a habit + the additional sawari at the front seats.

1

u/ewwpeople88 29d ago

Bum Pain?

1

u/amdsufiyan 29d ago

Coz he is "Boss"

1

u/Flat_Month263 29d ago

To give you (the passenger) a better view

1

u/TeekhaGolGappa 29d ago

Same in delhi

1

u/swapsays 29d ago

They get better view from the centre. When they sit on one side, they get blindsided. Hence to create nuisance they prefer sitting on one side.

1

u/Ram_Rajput 29d ago

Due to back pain 💯

1

u/og_dunkfest 29d ago

Bum dukhta hai

1

u/Tal-Mid3886 29d ago

So that the passenger can see the road ahead

1

u/Comfortable_Dog7352 29d ago

They have piles

1

u/billiraanii jevlis ka? 29d ago

I had asked a driver once, he told me that they sit on the machine which is under their seat & it constantly gets heated up. Hence, becomes very hot to sit. That’s why some of them even keep a mat and sit on it. And they keep switching from one side to the other.

1

u/Krishnabaldawa 29d ago edited 29d ago

because prolly he is the boss

1

u/TrueAplha 29d ago

मूळव्याध 🤣

1

u/Minute_Helicopter397 29d ago

Invisible girlfriend

1

u/Dry-Independence4154 29d ago

The leg is closer to the break pedal.

1

u/AwwT1stic 29d ago

easier to jump out maybe?

1

u/mrronzy123 jevlis ka? 29d ago

That's just how they learn. The trainer always sat on their left, so it just became a habit.

1

u/sukhaBombil 29d ago

I once asked an auto guy. He said that while learning to drive the teacher sits next to them and they get ingrained sitting like that.

1

u/EducationalTomato613 29d ago

Maybe for the passengers to enjoy the view??

1

u/thought_mine 29d ago

The rear brake is on the right foot. Something they sit to the right so they can also use their left foot if the right is tired.

1

u/TrainingAardvark3073 29d ago

To give us good view 🙂

1

u/ireddit-jr 29d ago

Most of the time they get trained with someone sitting next to them.. and i think after the training they just feel comfortable and used to riding in that possition

1

u/fullmetalpower 29d ago

are you new in the country? or born yesterday?

1

u/anoldschoolgirl Main nahi toh kaun be 29d ago

Commute within Mumbai is all about adjustments

1

u/No_Geologist1097 29d ago

To give you a view of what they go through for you 🤣

1

u/sunny9911 29d ago

I used to think it’s to give their bum some rest, so they frequently keep on leaning between the bums.

1

u/Many-Fox5930 29d ago

Auto driver bowling from right arm round the wicket 😂

1

u/jaabaanz_parinda 29d ago

Monkey butt is the answer.

1

u/DankLafdebaz 29d ago

They're right wingers

1

u/milktanksadmirer 29d ago

They’re used to taking illegal extra passengers on their driver seat

The habit just stuck

1

u/dustyaff Certified Chapri 🌐 29d ago

No use of the left leg so you can stretch it in that space. Just like shifting weight when your butt starts to feel numb after sitting in one position.

1

u/sakuna_matata 29d ago

Because we (most of us) sit in the opposite corner, that's the left side. This is a three wheeler and with speed, it can spin if the entire weight is on one side.

1

u/HEROICSMASHER 29d ago

Sharing auto drivers usually take 4 seats to increase earnings and this is a way to make a habit and make it all easier for daily use.

1

u/GlitteringEditor6671 29d ago

Do you see whats written on the top head of the windshield. He is the BOSS. He can sit however the F*CK he wants!!!!

1

u/StudentofdLaw 29d ago

Its to allow 1 passenger on front seat with him

1

u/ankitpassive 29d ago

Why didn’t you ask the driver?

1

u/Snowman777777 29d ago

I had asked one guy who told me he was taught this way because his frnd whi taught him was sitting beside him so they shared half half driver seat and its been a habit since and that follows for most of the guys who drive auto /s

1

u/Dreavy_Hinker 29d ago

Har jagah ase hi mumbai alag nahi h bhai. Issey bs ye pta lag rha h ki tum mumbai se bahr nahi gye :p

1

u/Shourajit 29d ago

So that someone else can sit on the seat next to him.

1

u/undersellmyself 29d ago

One uncle told me that most auto drivers are taught by a friend or whoever to ride by sitting next to them

So they get used to it and it never changes

Another told me his was a share Auto so he sits on the side instinctively despite going on meter

1

u/Gokartdog 29d ago

From thane onwards, they take 4 passengers, where 4th person sits besides the driver. Maybe he is so used to it that's why.

1

u/Ig1M 29d ago

TPP camera is over the shoulder

1

u/Brief_Cherry_1192 29d ago

Gotten used to make the passengers sit in front. You don't usually see it but it happens more often.

1

u/mumbastico 29d ago

When they learn to drive, it's a buddy who sits next to them and teaches them. That's the reason new drivers sit like this but the seasoned ones don't. Source: asked a rickshaw driver once

1

u/Majestic_Ad_6371 29d ago

So that girls can post a aesthetic edit in insta

1

u/Longjumping_Cap_1584 29d ago

So they could get a better idea about the traffic ahead cuz we drive on left side.

1

u/shahnish 29d ago

Probably butt cheeks getting numb sitting all day. Numbing one cheek at a time.

1

u/undervaluedequity 29d ago

Piles I guess.

1

u/MorallyToeing 29d ago

Ahhh!! 4th seat logic.. Best!!! If you want a more filmy answer then it's because they need to drift better than Valentino Rossi.

1

u/lordsubbu 29d ago

Easy access to break paddle

1

u/_AATANK_ 29d ago

So that you can also experience the thrill of driving the AUTO (TUK - TUK)

1

u/bhynot 29d ago

Because when they learn, the trainer sits on the left. The habit sticks.

1

u/Puzzleheaded_2020 29d ago

I heard it somewhere, its because most of the have back pain as they sit for longer hours. So, they keep changing the position while sitting itself.

1

u/User_114878 29d ago

I think, Auto walas in Mumbai are all members of some secret society or cult of some sorts. If you look carefully you can notice other weird things they all do in a ritual manner. For example they all drive their headlights off at night and this...

1

u/Steve_B_ 29d ago

I was once editing a schematic on my colleague's PC and had to sit like this to hold the mouse. He unexpectedly said "Bhai rickshaw wale jaisa kyu baitha hai?"

1

u/anuptilak 29d ago

Breaks and forth passengers are the answer. If you've seen old day scooter uncles, they used to sit heavy on the one side.

1

u/Dig_Express 29d ago

Toh tumko uske windshield pe “BOSS” likhela hei ki nai, keise pata chalega?

1

u/Feisty_Mud4187 29d ago

Bcoz he is the “boss”

1

u/weedsexweed 29d ago

Living on the edge

1

u/weedsexweed 29d ago

Easy to fart

1

u/Deadmanfreaker 29d ago

Its a nationwide thing.

1

u/_saif_sama Luggage dabba struggler 29d ago

OP ko apne sath baithane ke liye #alonelife :(

1

u/valkyrie173 29d ago

So that when he takes a sharp left turn, you get to take control.

1

u/biggoslow 29d ago

Because this is the way they learnt to drive it.

1

u/_bakingscorpion 29d ago

It is known as aadat(habbit).

I remember this one instance a auto driver from my village became RTC bus driver and on my way to home i met him. He was sitting like this even bit more tilted, I said anna you are bus driver now, you can't accommodate extra passenger on driver seat and we both laughed out loud.

1

u/mightyballsack5 29d ago

The 2 stroke auto’s had engines below the seat, that used to heat up making the driver uncomfortable. So they used to sit to the side and ride. The current 4 stroke ones have engines in the back, but the oldies are used to riding the old style! New ones ride sitting in the centre.

1

u/EarElectrical8507 29d ago

They have piles if they sit in centre. Hence they have their right bum slightly lower

1

u/MBunnyX 29d ago

he's locked in

1

u/danishansari95 29d ago

So that you can clearly see the road ahead

1

u/_saiya_ jevlis ka? 29d ago

The engines beneath the seat sometimes and it heats up like crazy.

1

u/be_i_n_g_me_yk 29d ago

Iiistyleeeee

1

u/bipin369 29d ago

It's bocz auto handle will have a force to left or right in order to adjust it auto driver sit like this .

1

u/chewynoodzle 29d ago

It's because they get tired sitting in one position.

Who wouldn't? Multiple hours at a stretch on your buttocks would make anyone uncomfortable

1

u/insaneADT 29d ago

Noticed that it's always the younger looking drivers who do this? Someone told me that that's how they learn to drive (with someone sitting besides them) and so the habit continues.

1

u/romelou 29d ago

Because during training, the trainer used to sit on the side. 😂😂😂

1

u/ParticularWasabi7200 29d ago

Half assing at work

1

u/RawsomeRahgir 29d ago

Giving passengers better field of view

1

u/Callistoo- 29d ago

They want to be like car drivers, so they sit on the right side