The pousse-pousse, now iconic in certain Malagasy cities, has an intriguing story to tell. Their arrival in Madagascar dates back to the early 20th century, introduced by Chinese laborers (known as coolies) brought in by colonial administrators to help build the railway connecting Antananarivo to the East Coast. The Malagasy people quickly adopted this mode of transport, taking inspiration from the palanquin, another human-powered vehicle used at the time.
In major cities like Fianarantsoa and Antananarivo, despite competition from taxis and minibuses, pousse-pousse are still in use, particularly in the lower parts of these cities. The hilly terrain has somewhat limited their use, even leading to the disappearance of an ancient profession: the “pusher.” This person, positioned at the back of the pousse-pousse to assist the puller at the front, was gradually replaced by other forms of freight transport.
In the 1950s, tricycles imported from Hong Kong tried to replace the pousse-pousse but were unsuccessful. The pullers, fiercely protective of their trade, managed to maintain their place in Malagasy streets (though not for long, as tricycles eventually became more common, following modern trends). However, over time, the pousse-pousse has evolved. The old wooden seats were replaced with cushioned benches, the wheels were sometimes taken from old bicycles or motorbikes, and the sides were often decorated with paintings, proverbs, or song titles.
Recently, the arrival of Franco-Indian entrepreneurs has revolutionized transportation with the introduction of the “Badzaz,” a more comfortable and less exhausting vehicle for drivers. This change is gradually encouraging pousse-pousse pullers to opt for a more modern and economical solution, with the benefit of credit financing. Interestingly, this small vehicle is more profitable for Malagasy drivers, as it can carry up to eight people in a space designed for three (and that’s no exaggeration)!
The next time you see a pousse-pousse in the streets of Madagascar, you will know its story. And who knows, you might have the chance to ride in one of these traditional vehicles that continue to stand the test of time, all while observing the constant yet slow evolution of transportation in Madagascar.
