By. Ma Ma - Feb 22, 2025

Sidecar motorcycles, widely used by the working class, are facing a decline in passengers, making it increasingly difficult for drivers to sustain their livelihoods.

People are struggling more with their daily survival as the military regime continues to hold power. While sidecar motorcycle driving was once a profitable job, it has now become challenging to sustain due to the economic downturn.

"Most of the drivers are over 35 years old. What other job can we find at our age? We used to get passengers regularly but now even our usual customers prefer to walk instead. The only steady business left is taking kids to school. Things will get even worse If schools close," said a sidecar motorcycle driver.

The rising cost of fuel and repair expenses makes it difficult to lower fares for passengers.

"Now, we have to pay daily fees just to operate. Prices keep going up. There are so many of us struggling, but we can’t lower fares too much either because expenses are too high. Passengers are switching to bicycles or waiting for line buses instead. We barely make what we used to earn in just one morning even after a full day of work these days, another driver explained.

Since the military coup, authorities have imposed various restrictions on sidecar motorcycle drivers, including bans on installing canopies, mandatory helmet use for riders, and uniform requirements for those operating at designated stations.

Additionally, the military council continues to demand monthly license fees from sidecar motorcycle drivers and frequently mobilizes them for labour when needed.