ralphrepo's photostream

The image was cropped, contrast adjusted, and minor retouching was done to eliminate some reflections from the glass window that I was shooting through (we were forbidden to open the windows by the UN troops that we were riding with).

These multi-passenger vehicles were ubiquitous in Haiti. They instantly reminded one of the Filipino Jeepney (a post war adaptation of used US military jeeps into an all purpose bus or truck). However, in this case, the Haitian design is to use a flat bed truck instead. Thereafter, the design is similar; installation of flat benches on either side, and then covering the cargo bed with a flamboyant colorful overhead shell.

These trucks then plied the road seeking hires; goods, humans, or even livestock. Anything that was paid for could get a ride. Passengers would sometimes be seen hanging precariously from the back, seemingly one road bump (and these roads are rough) from oblivion. Rarely (as in this photograph), one would even see passengers ensconced on the roof with other tied down cargo.