Cars are a luxury that most Hondurans can’t afford. Most working-class men use a motorcycle to get to work. They transport their families (up to four members) on that same motorcycle when needed. People also use the bus system heavily. However, often the limited bus schedules mean that the bus is not an option. And a motorcycle in the rain for the whole family is not a viable choice!
As a result, citizens in small cities like Siguatepeque often turn to taxis for transportation. The rates are fixed by the government at prices that are affordable for most Hondurans, particularly for occasional use. Taxis are readily available during normal daytime hours; and with a call, they will pick up a customer from anywhere. They are safe and affordable. They are available when stepping out of a grocery store with arms full of groceries or off a bus with a suitcase.
For older people who have a hard time waiting in the hot sun or hopping on and off a bus, taxis are another easy method of transportation to medical appointments or church. Most cities have certain ‘taxi stations’ (puntos de taxi) at hotels, shopping malls, hospitals or specific locations where people can trust the taxis will be safe and secure. Before motorbike delivery services became popular, the taxis also provided delivery services for pizza, milk and eggs from the store.
During the course of his life, Melvin Pineda has worked in many different jobs: painting, brick laying, gas station attendant, auto repair, and construction. However, he found that as he got older, it became harder and harder to do these labor-intensive jobs on a daily basis. So he decided it was time to look for other options. Several years ago, he began driving a taxi for a taxi company. However, after three years, Melvin realized that he needed to purchase his own taxi and work for himself in order to be able to make a decent income. This meant not only finding a suitable car, but also purchasing a government taxi license (which is not cheap).
Melvin’s pastor told him about the Society of the Good Shepherd’s microloan program. So Melvin applied for a loan, which was granted. He used his loan to make the down payment on a 2000 Corolla, the only vehicle he could afford. Part of the loan also went toward needed repairs on the car. In addition to the Society loan, Melvin is making car payments to the seller of the Corolla.
Even though the Society loan opened the door for Melvin, he still has to carefully manage his money to make his taxi service a success. For example, recently, Melvin had to buy new tires for the taxi, and he is grateful that God provided an opportunity to purchase a set of tires at a price he could afford. Despite the continuing challenges, Melvin feels enormously blessed that the loan has enabled him to provide for his family.
Melvin averages 15 rides a day. He picks up some of his customers off the side of the road, and others call him personally. In addition, he drives one student to and from school each day. He is not affiliated with a taxi station because it costs more money to have that affiliation. Also, Melvin prefers to be free to drive anywhere. He knows all the ins and outs of Siguatepeque and the surrounding areas. A taxi ride inside the city limits costs $1.50 per person, and to go beyond the city limits to the surrounding areas costs $3 each way. These are the standard prices that all taxis use throughout Siguatepeque.
Melvin is so thankful for the opportunity the Society has given him. He recognizes it as God’s provision, for it is one of the few jobs he is able to carry on at this stage of life. He thanks all the donors who have made his loan possible.
ulie Nyhoff de Valladares
The Society of the Good Shepherd, P. O. Box 122, Amberson, PA 17210 • (717) 349-7033
Click on the following link if you would care to make a donation to the work in Honduras: Honduras Donations