Few people know the history of the London taxi cab and how it introduced a new way of travelling from one place to the next. This article will discuss the history of the London taxi cab over the course of time.

The word taxi originates from France, it is used to shorten the term ‘taximeter cabriolet’. The word taximeter being French refers to change and measurement, while the word cabriolet originally refers to a type of horse-drawn carriage. Hence the use of the words cab, taxi and taxicab. The history of taxis dates back to mediaeval Europe and possibly other regions of the world that had means of transport such as boats and wagons whereby they would hire out their services to travellers with the means to pay for passage.

In the 17th century in London and Paris this is where the root of the modern taxi lies. During this period of time, horse-drawn carriages were a popular way of transportation for the wealthy. These wealthy owners would often hire the horse-drawn carriage to those of more ‘modest’ means. Over time, when a newer model of carriages was introduced and bought, the older carriages would be sold to merchants and others who would then hire these out in order to make money. It was during this period of time that they first became known as ‘hackney carriages’. The word hackney (hacquenee) also has a French origin meaning a horse for hire. In 1634 the first London taxi rank appeared on the Strand and had a complement of four hackney carriages organised by Captain John Baily. By 1662 the first hackney carriage licences were issued in the city. As carriages became more affordable the taxi trade exploded in London and other cities across the world.

By the 19th century, streets were highly congested with horse-drawn vehicles so much so that in the 1830s Joseph Hansom designed “a two wheeled carriage which was much easier to manoeuvre around increasingly busy city streets and could be pulled by one horse. The hansom cab was introduced and spread quickly throughout Europe, the British Empire and the United States of America”. Soon after this invention a mechanical taximeter was introduced to calculate fares and became an added feature and standard in many cities.

With the introduction of the automobile it became inevitable that these would soon replace the hackney carriages as taxi cabs. The first proper petrol-powered and meter-equipped taxi cab was the Daimler Victoria, which came into service in 1897. Thereafter, petrol powered taxis were a common feature on city streets the world over; becoming one of the most common modes of transportation in the modern world.

Today, the evolution of taxis is even more notable with a variety of types available by hailing, whistle and mobile device applications. But what really has made its way down in history in respect of a taxi cab? It is the human element that is a recurring feature throughout history. Today, a taxi cab is more than just a means of transportation it is that first human element of meeting and greeting at the airport between driver and client, the helping with the language to the vehicle and that interaction that makes taxis more than just getting from one point to the next.

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[b]About the company:[/b]
City Airport Taxis is a service provider of airport transfers to various parts of the city and has a presence in a number of countries including Ireland, South Korea and South Africa. For a Venice Port to Venice Airport transfer choose City Airport Taxis for elegance and convenience.