Facts You Didn’t Know About the New York Taxicab

When you close your eyes and picture the bustling streets of New York City, chances are you imagine at least one bright yellow taxicab. They’re a part of the landscape just as much as the bright lights of Time Square or the sun twinkling off the waves of New York Harbor. Although most cities have some sort of taxi service, there’s something about New York taxis that put them in a class all their own. If you’ve ever wanted to wake up in the city that doesn’t sleep, here are some facts you didn’t know about the New York taxicab.

Bad Fare Led To the First Company

The history of taxis in New York can be traced throughout much of the city’s existence—from for-hire carriages, to hacks, to hansom cabs, and even some less-than-reliable steam and electric powered taxis. Many of these earlier drivers were known as “nighthawks” because they often charged unfair prices. This practice led to the creation of the company that would set the standard for taxi services afterward.

In 1907, after a hansom cab driver charged businessman Harry N. Allen five dollars for a ride that was less than a mile, Allen decided to create his own company that would charge passengers a flat rate per mile. Along with this, Allen’s company included the imported gas-powered vehicles and hired a host of uniformed drivers instructed to be polite to passengers.

The First Female Cab Driver

The first female cab driver in New York started her career only eight years after Harry Allen’s frustrating cab ride. On New Year’s Day in 1915, Wilma K. Russey began taking trips, making headline news in the area. Russey’s automotive career began over a year prior as a professional mechanic at Dalton’s Garage. There would not be another female cab driver until 1942 when Gertrude Jeannette—who would later be remembered as a playwright, director, and stage and film actor—received her license.

There’s More Than Yellow

There’s a reason when we think of yellow when we think of taxis. Almost as long as there have been taxis, people have painted them yellow because it’s the color easiest to spot at a distance. In fact, since 1967, New York law has required official medallion taxi cabs to be painted yellow. However, one fact that many don’t know about the New York taxicab is there are more types than just yellow.

For instance, green taxis may be found in areas of New York where you’re less likely to find a yellow taxi. (Anywhere other than lower Manhattan south of East 96^th Street or West 110^th Street.) You can also hire a “Black Car” service which tends to provide more luxurious cars for high-end clients such as CEOs.

FAQ

When did taxis start in New York City?

In 1907, after a hansom cab driver charged businessman Harry N. Allen five dollars for a ride that was less than a mile, Allen decided to create his own company that would charge passengers a flat rate per mile. Along with this, Allen’s company included the imported gas-powered vehicles and hired a host of uniformed drivers instructed to be polite to passengers.

Additional Resources:

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