On December 20, 1965, this strange cart first made its appearance in the city of Mazatlan. Mr. Miguel Ramirez Urquijo, better known as “El Chicharo” (or “The Pea” in English) was a stark advocate who did much to develop and popularize these 4-wheeled wonders. The 60’s marked a time of rapid growth and a tourist boom for Mazatlan, and this impelled “El Chicharo” to seek a means of transport that would appeal to all to
urists who visit here. The peculiar characteristics immediately attracted the attention of people from all over. The vehicle would be destined not only to become a new form of public transport, but also a veritable and distinctive icon for the city of Mazatlan.
urists who visit here. The peculiar characteristics immediately attracted the attention of people from all over. The vehicle would be destined not only to become a new form of public transport, but also a veritable and distinctive icon for the city of Mazatlan.
After only one year, the cart had met such widespread acceptance, that Don Miguel imported an additional 16 vehicles. With the assistance of Governor Alfredo Valdés Montoya, he obtained the necessary permits to officially integrate them into the city’s public transportation service – a decisive point in Pulmonia history.
Although, from its inception, this mode of transport was adored by users, it initially encountered considerable opposition. Criticism and pressure from the taxi unions and bus companies, which resented the sharp decline in their services, launched a smear campaign against this new shuttle.
Certainly, these were tough times, but the stark determination of Don Miguel backed by the support of the new Governor, ensured a steady growth for this over-sized golf cart. After only 3 years of operation, 100 of these carts were circulating throughout the city.
At the height of the smear campaign, taxi drivers would actually stop people when they tried to approach these strange white vehicles. They warned that they were very unstable, dangerous, lacked privacy and they risked getting “pneumonia” from being in the open air.
As a result of the opposition, the carts were christened: “Pulmonias”. The name caught on, and today you’ll see over 300 of them roaming the streets of this wonderful city!
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