The History Of American Taxicabs (Photos Of Different Models)

America And Her Yellow Taxicabs 

How did a mere mode of transportation become one of America's most recognizable national treasures? Let's check out which cabs have rejected passengers since the very beginning.

The Best Taxicabs Used In The United States 

A century has passed since Americans first taxied in horse-drawn carriages, but the taxi industry is still active. People still need to get around quickly and easily. Despite moving to modern rides, personal cars, and motorcycles, the stories of iconic taxicab models are worth telling.

New York Checker Cab

Matt Kieffer, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Taxicabs In The Early Days (1900s – 1920s)

America's first taxicabs were horse-drawn until motorized taxis with taximeters came around. Management companies like the Electric Vehicle Company and New York Taxicab Company also popped up. Before the era elapsed, gasoline-powered vehicles became the norm. They were faster, more efficient, and had more range.

hansom cab

Bundesarchiv, Bild, CC-BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Origin Of Taxicabs

Although historians say the first horse-drawn carriage for hire appeared in London in the 1600s, taxi stands didn't appear until 1636. Before labor unrest put Harry Allen out of business, he'd created the New York Taxicab Company in 1907 and put "taxicab" out in the world.

Temple Underground station in 1899

Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons

Their Choice Of Color Wasn't Random

John Hertz deserves the most credit for making yellow the official color of American taxis. After founding the Yellow Cab Company in 1915, Hertz painted his entire fleet yellow. He banked on a study showing that passengers in busy cities could notice it more.

Yellow Cab Co.

John Margolies, Wikimedia Commons