Getting around in Bangalore (called Bengaluru in India) is often very difficult. Since it is a large city there is a lot of traffic. Animals, like cows and dogs, commonly stand in the middle of the streets. They make the traffic even worse. Sometimes drivers are stuck in traffic for hours. Many different types of vehicles share the road, but some are better at moving through the traffic than others.
Taking taxis, buses, trains and motorcycles, and walking, are common ways to get to places. One popular mode of transportation that you won’t see in the U.S. is the Auto-rickshaw. Auto-rickshaws, or "autos" for short, are three-wheeled vehicles. They look like a cross between a motorcycle and a car. They are open on the sides but have a roof. Three people are supposed to fit in an auto but more people crowd into them. I’ve seen a family of six and their groceries fit in one auto!
Autos are great for traveling around Bengaluru because they are small. When traffic is bad they squeeze between bigger cars and move faster. Also, they are a cost-effective way to travel. Autos are usually cheaper than hiring a taxi. You can bargain with the auto driver to lower the cost of your ride. Buses are even cheaper than autos, but they are often very crowded and slow.
