Tuk tuks refusing to use meters in Colombo during Vesak night

Asked about 14 hours agoViewed 483 times
E
Ethan J.4005 rep2
asked about 14 hours ago

We are trying to get around Colombo to see the pandols tonight. None of the tuk tuks will use their meters, demanding flat rates of 2000 rupees. Is this allowed.

4
asked about 14 hours ago
E
Ethan J.4005 rep2

5 Answers

Accepted Answer

It is technically illegal in Colombo, but during Vesak night, the city is in total gridlock. A 2km journey can take an hour. Drivers refuse the meter because the waiting time rate does not cover their fuel or lost earnings in that extreme traffic. You basically have to negotiate a flat rate or use an app like PickMe, though apps often surge price during festivals.

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answered about 14 hours ago
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Ruwan D.4190 rep1

Honestly, during Vesak night, walking is the absolute fastest way to get anywhere in central Colombo.

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answered about 14 hours ago
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Sophia V.2715 rep2

If you must take a tuk-tuk, hail one that is already moving, not the ones parked right next to the massive Pandol displays.

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answered about 14 hours ago
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Amali W.3050 rep1

Police actually wave traffic through red lights to keep things moving, which makes the meters even more useless.

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answered about 14 hours ago
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Ruwan D.4190 rep1

We ended up using PickMe and the guy accepted, but it took him 30 minutes just to reach us.

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answered about 14 hours ago
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Ethan J.4005 rep2

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