Things you didn’t know about the taxi industry

Taxis have all helped us at least one time in our lives. Whether it being dropping you off at an important meeting quickly, running late for a date, or simply when you don’t feel like driving, taxis have always been a really reliable transportation alternative. Taxi drivers over the world have had countless of passengers which resulted in a customer-friendly relationship. But just how much do you know about the transportation service that chauffeurs you everywhere you want to go? Here are a few facts you didn’t know about taxis.

The longest taxi trip ever recorded

A trio of friends have decided to go on a 15-month trip around the world, in only one black cab. This trip has rewarded them two titles in the Guinness Book of World Records such as Longest journey by taxi and Highest altitude reached by car. This trip took them a year to complete with a total of 43 000 miles and a fare of $105 000.

Weirdest things drivers found after their rides

When you are a taxi driver, you hear things but you also see all kind of things. Drivers from around the world have had their share of weird stuff left by passengers during the trips. From a prosthetic leg, a baby, a set of false teeth, ashes to live animals, drivers have seen it all.

Shouting “Taxi!” is illegal in the United Kingdom

This one is a real shocker but really makes sense when you learn the reason behind it. Might as well warn you before you go after a black cab in the UK. It is indeed illegal to hail a cab in the street as you might distract the driver which can result in an accident. It is safer for you to just raise your hand should you need a ride.

Taxis were actually invented after taximeters

Although the concept has been present since 1600’s, the actual taxis were invented after the taximeter which they derived from. In 1897, a French man named Gottlieb Daimler was the one to create the first gasoline-powered taxi, equipped with a taximeter device.

To be a taxi driver in London, you need to pass a memory test

In London, drivers have to pass the “Knowledge” exam in order to be able to drive. The test consists of memorising 320 routes and 25 000 streets by heart as well as around 20 000 landmarks. This can take up to 2 to 4 years of screening just for them to be licensed.

Weirdest cab around the world

These cabs have nothing to do with the yellow or black ones, they stepped up their game by offering very unique styles, some doesn’t even include a car. From the snowmobile taxi in Norway, water taxis in Venice, elephant cabs in Vietnam or funny cow-looking cab in Chile, drivers must have a lot of fun riding those things.

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