The Convenience of a Taxi
There is something to be said for the comfort and convenience of a modern taxi. The new, environmentally-friendly taxicabs in New York City have features that make driving easier for both you and your passengers. For example, the driver’s seat in the new NYC taxis is six-way adjustable, and the seat itself can be adjusted even when a partition is installed. Additionally, the taxi’s interiors are finished with anti-microbial materials and are easy to maintain, helping to reduce airborne odors.
The Toyota Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market today, with a reported average mileage of over 500,000 miles. Prius cars also require minimal repairs, which make them more profitable than regular taxis. With a regular taxi, major repairs would likely be needed, keeping the vehicle off the road for days or weeks. Prius cars, on the other hand, have nearly trouble-free engines, resulting in miles upon miles of safety and comfort for the cab’s operator.
While meter use is mandatory in Finland, the taxi industry in that country is not as regulated as in other countries. In Buenos Aires, taxis are black with yellow roofs. The taxi licensing and regulation process is a central government function. Historically, taxis were Peugeot 504s, but now, most of the cars in Buenos Aires are Fiat Sienas and Chevrolet Corsa. Many of these vehicles run on NGV fuel, which is cheaper than gasoline. In Colombia, taxicabs are yellow. The Hyundai Atos is the most common taxicab in the country, and is praised for fuel efficiency. Ki Picanto and the Chevrolet Matos are other popular taxi vehicles.
Dispatching taxis is often conducted through radio, a computer, or an in-vehicle mobile data terminal. A taxi may be assigned a specific zone based on proximity to the pickup address. Sometimes, a taxi is dispatched from a taxi stand. In this case, “Top of the 2” means that the first cab from stand #2 is dispatched. If the dispatcher is not able to reach the passenger, a taxi can be selected from a queue of cars.
The color of the taxi car is important. Taxis in different towns have different colours and design. Historically, they were yellow with white roofs. However, they were also green with red diagonal stripes running through the front doors. In fact, the green cabs were supposed to be environmentally-friendly – despite their polluting Volkswagen Beetles. In modern day Barcelona, the colour of the taxis is entirely different from those in other cities.
In addition to the color and style of the taxi car, you must consider the local licensing authority’s requirements before buying a cab. In the UK, taxis and private hire vehicles must have type approval and a license to operate. There are different standards for these, but specialist taxi suppliers can advise you on the specifications for your local licensing authority and help you choose the right vehicle for your needs. For example, MG has wheelchair-accessible taxis and minibus taxis.
