Jinricksha Station, Singapore
Copyright © Timothy Tye.
Jinricksha Station
Tanjong Pagar Road
Jinricksha Station, also written Jinriksha Station and Jinrikisha Station, is a historic building that was the old main depot for taking jinrickshas, or rickshaws. It was built from 1903 to 1904. Its location was chosen due to its proximity to the Tanjong Pagar Docks and the thoroughfare that led from the docks to the town. Originally, the Jinricksha Station was built of exposed brickwork. It is located at the junction of Neil Road and Tanjong Pagar Road.
The Jinricksha Station is the one last reminder of the once ubiquitous rickshaws. Rickshaws were introduced in Singapore in the 1880s. Initially they were imported from Shanghai. By the end of the 19th century, there were about 1000 rickshaws in Singapore. The demand for rickshaws was so high that Japan began manufacturing cheaper models. By 1919, the number of rickshaws have risen to 9,000 and were manned by 20,000 rickshaw pullers working in shifts.
Rickshaw pullers lived a hard life. Many were too poor to afford their own rickshaw, and had to rent them. Until 1904, all the rickshaws were two-seaters. The weight that had to be pulled was almost unbearable to many rickshaw pullers. Many turned to opium to relieve their suffering.
The government tried to ban the two-seater rickshaw in 1911, but opposition to the ban delayed its passing into law for another three years. It was a while before the single-seater rickshaw become popular and the two-seater became obsolete. Eventually, the rickshaws themselves were replaced by more efficient means of transport, including the trishaw, the electric tram, the bus and the car. Over time, rickshaws disappeared from the streets of Singapore.
