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Everyone needs a way to get from one location to another. Most of us rely on the familiar car, where we can customize the radio stations, adjust the temperature, and control the windows. It even becomes a mobile trash can at times. Alternatively, we might opt for a motorcycle, bike, skateboard, scooter, or simply use our own two feet. Public transportation like buses, trolleys, and subways are common in large cities. Over the years, different countries have created their own distinctive methods of transportation.
10. Canada – The Horse-Driven Ferry
Whether in small nations like France or vast ones like China, bodies of water often require crossing. Canada is no exception. In the mid-19th century, the horse ferry was developed to carry people and goods across Canadian lakes. A team of two to five horses walked on a treadmill connected to paddlewheels, moving the boat forward. The limited number of horses meant the ferries were slow and had limited range. For those who weren't in a hurry to cross a place like Lake Manitoba, the horse ferry was the ideal choice. However, the steam ferry eventually became the quicker, more practical option for crossing Canada's waters.
9. Cambodia – Bamboo Train (Norry)
The French established the first railway lines in Cambodia during the 1920s. Trains became a popular mode of transportation for several decades, until French colonial rule ended in 1953. What followed was a period of instability, which worsened when the violent Khmer Rouge regime took power in 1975. By the time it collapsed just four years later, the death toll from execution, starvation, and forced labor had reached 1.4 million, or 20% of the population. Over the next decade, the railroad tracks were mined, and trains were frequently ambushed by remnants of the Khmer Rouge. Train services dwindled, and people sought alternatives.
With nearly 400 miles of mostly abandoned tracks, inventive Cambodians created the norry, also known as the bamboo train. A norry consists of a small motor mounted on a bamboo platform about the size of a bed. Two sets of independent metal wheels are placed underneath, held together by gravity. The remaining parts, like old tank components, motorcycle motors, and rice harvester pieces, are repurposed to complete the vehicle. The driver uses a lever to slide the motor back, which tightens a rubber belt that rotates the rear axle, propelling the train forward.
Locals typically pay about 50 cents for a ride, while tourists are charged ten times that amount. The bamboo train moves at a leisurely pace, allowing riders to take in the scenic views of the Cambodian countryside. It's common for passengers to switch between different norries just to complete a ten-mile journey. Some norries are built to carry only a few people, while others can accommodate thirty or more. However, it can be hard to find a ride on a norry today. In the last decade, Cambodia's train system has experienced a revival. The southern line opened for commercial use in 2010, and began carrying passengers in 2016. A northern line was opened to the public just last year.
8. Portugal – The Monte Toboggan Sledge
In the 19th century, residents of the village of Monte on Portugal's Madeira Island sought a quicker way to reach the city of Funchal. While it remains a fast route to this day, the toboggan sledge has also become a popular tourist attraction.
The toboggan sledge is crafted from eucalyptus wood and wicker, with the frame set on wooden slats lubricated with tallow to enable smooth sliding down the roads. The operators, called Carreiros do Monte, are about 150 in number, each assigned a unique driver number, which is passed on to their apprentices upon retirement. Dressed in white trousers, shirts, and a straw hat, they operate the sledge in pairs. Special boots are worn to help slow down the ride. It’s somewhat like the childhood experience of riding a shopping cart down a hill, but much safer.
The journey begins at the Church of the Lady Monte and heads down to Estrada do Livramento. With speeds reaching over 20 miles per hour, the thrilling ride lasts about 10 minutes and provides a one-of-a-kind experience through the city.
7. Cuba – Cocotaxi
Cuba’s Cocotaxi looks like a giant yellow helmet with seats and wheels, reminiscent of a huge Pac-Man with people inside. Despite its appearance, it’s named after its resemblance to a coconut. Made from plastic and fiberglass, it has two seats connected to a moped. The 75cc two-stroke engine is loud but more affordable than traditional taxis. These quirky vehicles are quite popular among tourists, though be cautious not to get overcharged by the driver.
6. Netherlands – The Amfibus
A fascinating mode of transportation in the Netherlands appeared briefly in 2011 but made a grand return last year. The amphibious bus, or amfibus, begins its journey on land in Amsterdam before transitioning to water on the IJ River. The tour lasts around an hour, with half of that time spent cruising the river. The amfibus is produced by DAT (Dutch Amphibious Transport), the same company that makes the amphicruiser for those who want to drive their SUV into the water!
5. Philippines – The Jeepney
The Jeepney, a large and vibrantly painted passenger truck resembling a Jeep, has been an integral part of daily life in the Philippines for nearly 80 years. Originally, jeepneys were crafted from leftover Jeep parts abandoned by American soldiers after World War II. When the war ended, the Philippine government didn't establish a mass transportation system, leaving jeepneys as the go-to mode of transport.
Jeepneys function much like buses, with designated routes but no specific stops. They are often blamed for contributing to traffic congestion because they stop frequently to pick up passengers. Unlike the typical buses we're used to, jeepneys are covered in bright colors and decorations. Drivers often choose a name or phrase to paint on the vehicle as a personal touch.
However, the Jeepney's major issue has been its significant pollution contribution. It accounts for 15 percent of the particulate matter in Metro Manila. In a move that upset many, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered that all Jeepneys over 15 years old be removed from the roads by 2020 and replaced with more environmentally friendly versions. Soon, the sight of jeepneys adorned with disco lights, superheroes, chrome wheels, and other embellishments will be gone. So too will be the jobs for the Jeepney artists. 'This is an act of treachery against fellow Filipinos,' said artist Bernardo de la Cruz. 'This is a uniquely Filipino product. We were born with it.'
4. Thailand – Tuk Tuk
Similar to the jeepney, the tuk tuk (also known as the auto-rickshaw) was created in the aftermath of World War II to address the transportation shortage. Its origins trace back to Italy, where it was designed by Corradino D'ascanio, the same innovator behind the Vespa scooter. Today, tuk tuks are a global sight, most commonly found across Africa and Asia.
In Thailand, the tuk tuk has strong ties to Japan, as it was the Japanese who helped popularize this mode of transport during their occupation of the region in WWII. The older versions of the tuk tuk in Thailand featured a 350cc two-stroke engine, which gave the vehicle its signature 'tuk tuk' sound as it sped through the streets. Modern tuk tuks now have a 660cc four-stroke engine, which results in a much quieter ride. The iconic blue and yellow color scheme of Thailand's tuk tuks has become synonymous with the country itself. Like many of the vehicles on our list, these charming three-wheelers are a favorite among tourists. Although they are not allowed on highways, so you won't be using one to get to or from the airport, visitors continue to be enamored with the classic tuk tuk experience.
3. United Kingdom – Rolls Royce 103EX
The Rolls Royce 103EX, also known as the Vision Next 100, is a futuristic luxury concept car that the company showcases to demonstrate the future of automotive design. Inside, you'll find a silk lounge chair, real wood accents, and handwoven wool carpeting. The unique door mechanism allows the roof to swing upwards, offering enough space for passengers to stand fully upright as they enter. The car’s wheel wells give it an almost hovering appearance. Additionally, it features a virtual assistant and chauffeur named Eleanor.
Rolls Royce Motor Cars Limited envisions a future where car production focuses on the driver’s experience and personal preferences. The company promises that 'each Rolls-Royce will be designed less like a car, and more like an individual sculpture made from one seamless surface.' Unfortunately, the Rolls Royce 103EX will not be put into production. Nonetheless, it offers exciting prospects for the future of automobiles and may even pave the way for a broader transformation in transportation as we know it.
2. Kenya – Matatu
The matatu is a vibrant and energetic form of transportation, much like a mobile party bus. Its exterior is covered with colorful graffiti-style artwork, while loud music pulses from the interior. By 1928, Nairobi had the highest per capita car ownership in the world, but lacked a public transportation system. This gap led to the establishment of the Kenyan Bus Services, and by the 1950s, the matatu was born to meet growing demand.
Matatus are more than just a mode of transport in Kenya – they are an essential part of the culture. In Nairobi, they are everywhere, each one decked out in unique designs featuring images of celebrities, athletes, and even religious icons. Local musicians benefit from the exposure as their songs blare through the streets. These minibuses are popular because they are affordable and convenient.
Considerable care and resources are dedicated to building each matatu. Some come equipped with modern amenities like onboard WiFi and TVs. Typically, these minibuses are constructed by using the stripped chassis of new trucks, onto which panels are added and then hand-painted by artists. In the mid-2000s, the government imposed a ban on the art and loud music for safety reasons, but it was lifted in 2015. Another attempt at a ban in late 2018 was overturned just one day later after widespread protests. It seems the strong connection between the matatu and Kenyan society remains unbreakable.
1. New Zealand – Shotover Jet
New Zealand’s Shotover Canyons serve as the dramatic setting for one of the most exhilarating ways to travel in Oceania. The Shotover Jets, designed in Queenstown for canyon tours along the Shotover River, feature twin V8 engines producing a combined 700 horsepower, allowing the boat to hit speeds of over 55 miles per hour. Water is pulled into intakes at the boat's bottom and forced through rear nozzles to propel it forward. Steering is controlled by adjusting these nozzles.
Shotover Jet Services began in 1965 as a sightseeing venture, providing tours of the stunning canyons for almost a decade. In the early 1970s, the company revamped its boats and shifted focus to offering a more thrilling adventure ride. Since 1987, Shotover Jet has been the exclusive operator in the canyons, with each of its seven boats capable of carrying up to fourteen passengers. The company now serves over 100,000 visitors annually, taking them on this heart-racing journey through the canyons.
