In New York City, taxis are iconic. They’re the only way to get around and they’ve been a part of the city since 1907. There is no other vehicle that can take you anywhere your heart desires, as these cabs have done for decades.
There are over 13,000 licensed yellow cabs in New York City alone and there has been a taxi on every street corner since 1920. It’s impossible to go through Manhattan without seeing one of these iconic vehicles!
The history of taxis in New York City
In the late 1800s, there was a need for a better form of public transportation in New York City. Horse-drawn carriages were too slow and unreliable. But by 1907, the city had created its own solution-the yellow taxicab. It was called “the modern streetscene.” The taxis are iconic because they give you the chance to explore Manhattan in an efficient way.
The taxi stand at 180 Broadway is where it all started. You can still see two vehicles that date back to 1907, which are cars #1 and #2. These vehicles have been restored but have never left their original location. Cars #3 and #4 are newer models that still remain on the same site today.
The current state of yellow cabs in NYC
In 2009, there was a major change to all yellow taxicabs when the city decided to introduce fuel-efficient hybrids into the mix. By 2012, one quarter of all taxi vehicles were hybrids. In 2014, there were 13,437 yellow cabs on the streets of New York. Right now, there are only four cities in the United States that have a fleet of more than 13,000 taxis: New York City of course, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia.
Some interesting Taxi facts
The first taxi was made in India in 1894. The inventor is not known.
In 1896, the first self-propelled gasoline taxi was introduced in New York.
In 1897, John Hertz formed the Yellow Taxi Cab Company in Chicago and then later merged with the Checker Taxi Cab Company.
The fare from Flatbush to Wall Street was thirty cents. Today it is now over $50.00 with tip.
In 1917, there were 11,787 cabs in New York City. In 2016, that number grew to 13,437 yellow cabs-the highest ever!
A well-known taxi company is Harry N Abrams Inc. The president of the Taxi and Limousine Commission was a former driver for this particular company. He was also a former owner of a Taxi Medallion.
In 1976, there was a total of 153 cabs in New York City.
In 1981, the first women drivers signed on as cab operators. Women were allowed to drive yellow cabs for one year on a trial basis and then they were debriefed to see if their test was a success. They turned out that it was a success!
Controversies surrounding taxy cab industry
It’s hard to imagine that there could be any controversies surrounding these iconic vehicles. However, this past year has seen some heated debate on whether or not Uber drivers should be allowed to operate in the city. An article published by the New York Times explained that “yellow cab drivers are furious with competition from ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.” The article further explained how the city is trying to come up with a solution that will satisfy both parties, but they are struggling to find one that satisfies everyone.
More than a transportation mean a taxicab is a city icon.
In New York, the yellow cab is an iconic and unique icon. They are not only famous because it’s the largest city in the US but also because of its iconic yellow cabs. These vehicles take you anywhere your heart desires, and there is no other way to get around like this. You can’t go through New York without one of these iconic yellow cabs.
If you are visiting Los Angeles ride in a taxi cab like Taxi Latino
Los Angeles has a lot to offer visitors from the sun-soaked beaches, to the glamorous movie stars.
Visitors can expect to have a great time when they visit this vibrant and exciting city and they can find everything they might need at their fingertips with taxis operating day and night all around the clock.
Los Angeles taxi services know that visitors want to travel around quickly and safely.
Call Taxi Latino (323) 780 5939