On February 22, 1907, the first metered taxicabs began operating in London, marking a significant development in urban transportation. These new motorized cabs introduced the use of a taximeter, a device that automatically calculated fares based on distance traveled. The innovation brought greater transparency and consistency to passenger pricing, replacing the older system in which fares were often negotiated or loosely regulated.
The taximeter itself had been invented in Germany in the late 19th century, but its widespread adoption in London in 1907 transformed the city’s taxi industry. The early metered cabs were operated by the General Motor Cab Company, which imported vehicles from France built by Unic. Because of their distinctive appearance and the French word “taximètre” displayed on the vehicles, Londoners began referring to them as “taxicabs,” a shortened version of “taximeter cab.” The term “taxi” soon became common usage.
Before 1907, most for-hire vehicles in London were horse-drawn hansom cabs. While effective for their time, horse-drawn vehicles were slower, required extensive care and feeding, and were less sanitary in crowded city streets. The introduction of gasoline-powered motor cabs improved efficiency and reduced travel time. Drivers were required to pass examinations and obtain licenses, further professionalizing the service.
The arrival of metered taxis also reduced disputes between drivers and passengers. With fares calculated automatically, customers could see the cost of their journey accumulate in real time. This helped standardize rates across the city and built public trust in the new system. The move toward metered fares reflected broader trends in early 20th-century cities, where technology was increasingly used to regulate commerce and improve consumer protections.
The success of London’s metered taxis influenced other major cities around the world. As motor vehicles became more reliable and affordable, metered taxi services expanded across Europe and North America. By replacing horse-drawn carriages with motorized vehicles equipped with standardized fare systems, London helped set the model for modern taxi operations.
The launch of metered cabs on February 22, 1907, stands as a milestone in automotive and urban history. It signaled both the decline of horse-drawn public transport and the growing integration of motor vehicles into everyday city life, shaping the structure of urban transportation systems for decades to come.
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