- Origins of the word „taximeter” date back to 1891 when German Wilhelm Bruhn invented an instrument for calculation of a distance traveled and waiting time and called it the „taximeter”. The word comes from the French „taxe” (tax) and the Greek „metron” (measure).
- Earlier horse carriages and carts were used as taxicabs. At the end of the 19th century electric-powered cabs gradually started to outrival them. However, the last horse carriage license in London was issued in 1946.
- In 1899 first fuel-powered taxicabs appeared in Paris. In 1903 such taxis were introduced in London and in 1907 – in New York.
- Taxi transmitters appeared in the 40ties of the 20th century allowing taxi drivers to contact dispatchers and thus improving the customer service.
- In 1999 241 million passengers used the yellow New York city taxicabs while in 2001 more than 1 billion USD was paid for traveling by New York taxi.
- In 1986 14,000 taxicabs were driving in the streets of London. In ten years their number had grown already to 17, 000.
Interesting facts about taxis.
Unusual taxicabs
World's most unusual taxicabs. Which one would you choose for your trip?
