The 'angkots' or 'mikrolets' (mini-van/short buses) in the city of Manado (where we lived for our first year in Indonesia) are renown for their unique style... although from what I'm told they're not quite on par with the ones in Padang, they certainly have a funny MTV vibe about them!
They are all base-blue, as regulation dictates I suppose, but they stray from the norm in any other way they can. Honestly, all the drivers pride themselves on their refurbishments and additions! This is a private public transportation system...
Alterations such as spoilers/fins, racing stripes, spinners for rims, glowing lights/ground effects are still within the mainstream... the insides are often adorned with black lights, disco balls, televisions, and gigantic bass-thumping speakers. The light system riggings are interesting, with the 'next stop' button often rigged to flashing multi-coloured lights! The space that these ultra-cool enhancements take up is no obstacle... even if it means the discomfort of the riders! Although several buses attempt to feign interest in the comfort of their passengers by using plush or felt seats in a variety of colours!
The leather racing stripe seat is a classic that doesn't seem to go out of style.
Funnily, especially in the evening, people will actually wait extra long, allowing many buses going their way to pass by, while waiting for a 'cool' mikrolet!
It’s also funny to note that bad, no TERRIBLE, English is rampant on these angkots... Slogans like 'Say no to Drug' are emblazoned in multi-coloured stencils on every available surface. Even better if this terrible English is used in conglomeration with copyright infringement. Some favourites are trademarks, logos and characters from international brands or companies like Billabong or Playboy.
There is still a little room for individuality in these, the art exhibits of the mini-bus drivers of Manado. Did I mention... a ride to anywhere in the city only costs the equivalent of about 20 cents!?
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