The History of the Taxi: A Ride into the Past
Did you know, the term ‘taxi’ actually pre-dates the invention of the automobile?
Indeed, while today we associate taxis with cars that help us get from point A to point B for a fee, the term itself doesn’t originate in-line with the powered automobile.
In fact, the history of hiring someone to transport you from one location to another stretches right back to the 1600s when the only way to get around was by horse and carriage.
While by idea of being driven around by something with ‘horsepower’ doesn’t differ too greatly to what happens today, it demonstrates just how enduring the appeal of a taxi service is, not to mention how enterprising people were some 400 years ago.
More than that, such was its popularity that in 1635, the Hackney Carriage Act was established in London to help legislate the industry for horse-drawn carriages. Fast-forward to today and that same act remains in operation, albeit for London’s famous Black Cabs.
In 1831, the law was amended to cover a broader range of carriages, including waggons, carts and drays. It established comprehensive rules and standards for licensing, conduct and obligations to cab drivers.
While particularly intrepid inventors dabbled with the idea of electric-powered carriages – some 125 years before they’d become commonplace among today’s taxis – it was Karl Benz’s gasoline-powered ‘Motorwagen’ that would set the stage for a revolution in transporting in 1887.
The automobile quickly caught on and ten years later the world’s first dedicated taxi was launched – the Daimler Victoria, complete with its own built-in taxi meter. The first models were delivered to Friedrich Greiner, who promptly started the world’s first motorised taxi company.
And all before the turn of the 20th century.
Where Does the Word Taxi Come From?
Taxi is shortened from the original term ‘taxicab’, which itself is a pseudonym of ‘taximeter’ and ‘cabriolet’.
Taximeter is an adaptation of the German word Taxameter and broadly points to the ‘tax’ being paid as a fare to hire a vehicle for transport.
The term ‘cabriolet’ is a nod to the original carriages, which could often have the roof pulled down. Its etymology is from the French word ‘cabrioler’, which means ‘to leap’.
The World’s Most Famous Taxis
Hackney Carriage (Black Cab)
Quite possibly the most iconic car in the world, the Black Cab is as synonymous with London as the Routemaster bus, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.
Known as the ‘Hackney Carriage’ in a nod to the origins of the ‘taxi’ from the 1600s, there are thought to be as many as 15,000 Black Cabs criss-crossing London today.
New York Checker Cab (Big Yellow Taxi)
A classic scene from New York wouldn’t be complete without the famed New York Checker Cab – or Big Yellow Taxi – showing up somewhere in view.
While the make and model of the New York Checker Cab has changed over the years – from the original Checker Marathons to Chevrolet Caprice Classics to Ford Crown Victorias – they’ve always been identified by their bright yellow colour scheme and checkered livery.
Mexican Volkswagen Beetle
The original Volkswagen Beetle might have disappeared from European showrooms in the 1970s but the car itself continued to live a long and healthy life in other nations well into the 21st century.
One such nation was Mexico, which continues to rely on the trusty Beetle as a recognisable and ubiquitous taxi across the capital Mexico City.
China’s Volkswagen Santana and Jetta
As one of the world’s most populous nations, China has a particular need for taxis for fares to get around its multiple large cities.
It means, if you ever find yourself in downtown Shanghai or Beijing, there is a strong chance the taxi you’ll be stepping into is a Volkswagen Jetta or Volkswagen Santana, which has long been the cab of choice for Chinese taxi drivers.
Japan’s Toyota Crown
Compared to other nations, Japan has arguably the most lavish taxis around.
Indeed, as a vehicle known for its bulletproof reliability and spacious interior, the Toyota Crown has for decades been the preferred choice of taxi drivers in cities as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Moreover, most models are the Toyota Crown Comfort, a long wheelbase version of the original Crown that offers fares plenty of legroom, while many date right back to the mid-90s but are still going strong.
Also, if you ever get a taxi in Japan, know this - don’t open the rear door yourself, for it will open automatically. And if you do try to open it yourself, expect to be told off by the driver!
Asia’s Tuk-Tuks
A taxi by the very definition of the word ‘taxi’ but not strictly a car, the famous tuk-tuk is a converted tricycle that can hold a rider at the controls plus two in the carriage.
Small, a bit scary but a riot of fun, a tuk-tuk is the only way to get around in many of Asia’s most congested cities since they can dart up roads that cars can’t. Don’t attempt if you’re of a nervous disposition, but if you’re feeling adventurous, it has to be done.
Used Taxis At The Taxi Centre
If you are in the market for an excellent value Uber taxi, The Taxi Centre now offers a huge stock of quality-assured used cars across different manufacturers.
The Taxi Centre presents only the very best hand-picked used cars for taxi use, including the used Skoda Octavia, used Toyota Corolla, used Skoda Scala, used Hyundai KONA and used MG4.
From SUVs to family cars to executive saloons, The Taxi Centre’s used stock will have the right taxi at the right price for you.
At The Taxi Centre, we want to help you find the best new taxi deal possible. We offer a selection of taxi finance options to help cover the costs of your new taxi in a way that suits your budget. Just one of the many benefits you get when buying a taxi
direct from us.
We offer Hire Purchase (HP) on all of our new taxi, as well as Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) for specific models. Keep reading to discover the benefits of taxi finance at The Taxi Centre.