International Taxi Driver Day is just around the corner, so at Service Club, we decided to start celebrating early. An essential service provided all over the world, taxis take on different forms across regions and countries. Let’s discover some of the most quirky and innovative taxi services the industry has to offer.
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Unique Taxi Services in Europe
1. Portugal – Wicker Taxis
Made from wicker and mounted on two wooden runners, carros de cesto – as they are traditionally called in Portuguese – can be found on the island of Madeira. Passengers board these traditional baskets in pairs, and are “driven” down a hill on a 2km journey that can reach speeds of up to 40km/h. The “drivers” of these unusual vehicles – the “carreiros” – are always dressed in white, donning a typical hat called a “straw boater”, and the most important piece of the attire, rubber-soled boots, which they use for braking when necessary.
2. Russia – Amphibious Army Taxis
St. Petersburg is a city built on a canal system – much like Venice in Italy – also bathed by the Neva River. For that reason, some amphibious vehicles previously used by the army in Soviet Russia began being used as taxis since around 2014. The BRDMs (Combat Reconnaissance Patrol Vehicle) were usually painted in unusual colours such as pink or red so that the local population wouldn’t get startled if they saw one driving through the streets.
3. Italy – Gondolas and Traghettos
No visit to Venice is complete without a boat ride. Despite the vaporetto – a water bus – being the main form of public transportation in the area, gondolas are still very popular among tourists. Locals also ride in gondolas, but a specific type called traghettos, since it’s the fastest and most affordable method of crossing the Grand Canal.
Unique Taxi Services in Asia
4. Japan – Rickshaws
Now common throughout the world, rickshaws originated in Japan just after the end of the country’s Edo Era, around 1867. Izumi Yosuke is frequently mentioned as the inventor of this vehicle, though some contest this information. A light two-wheeled vehicle drawn by a person who pulls it manually, rickshaws are particularly popular among tourists to visit some of the most famous sites in different cities.
5. Thailand – Water Taxis
Besides regular taxis, cities like Bangkok offer an alternative aquatic mode of transport in the form of small boats and canoes. Not only enjoyable, water taxis provide a great alternative to cars for those who wish to avoid heavy traffic and for commuters who live in northern Bangkok areas, such as Ladprao, Huamark, and Bangkapi.
6. India – Tuk-Tuks
The origin of tuk-tuks is hard to pinpoint, as a variety of countries claim to be their inventor, but their popularity cannot be disputed. Also known as auto-rickshaws, tuk-tuks are among the most affordable ways to navigate the city. Indian roads are notorious for their chaotic and intense traffic, which makes this form of transportation particularly effective due to its small size. Passengers often experience a lively mix of Bollywood music and constant honking during their rides.
Unique Taxi Services in the Americas
7. USA – Helicopters
Mostly used as airport transfers, helicopters are sometimes employed in New York City to go from JFK to Newark, LaGuardia to Manhattan, and other locations. Companies like Blade, HeliFlite, and HeliNY offer helicopter taxi services, though prices vary significantly depending on whether the helicopter is used for transfers – which can go up to the steep price of $200 – or for a leisurely sightseeing tour – which is usually charged at $35 for a 15-minute ride.
8. Mexico – Vochos
The Volkswagen Beetle is alive and well, living in the sunny country of Mexico. Wildly popular until its production halted in 2019, the Beetle – known in Mexico as “Vocho” – started disappearing in the metro area, but not in the neighbourhood of Cuautepec. Affectionately dubbed “Vocholandia”, this neighbourhood is home to several classic Beetles, many of which are used as taxis. In an area dotted with steep hills, having a car with the engine located in the back provides better power for uphill climbs.
9. Cuba – Cocotaxis and Classic Cars
In certain aspects, Havana can be a city of extremes, which is evident, for example, in the taxi options available. On the one hand, there are the enormous classic cars from the 1940s and 1950s, such as Pontiacs, Plymouths, and Studebakers. On the other hand, comically shaped Cocotaxis offer a pint-sized option that resembles more a football helmet than an actual coconut. These scooter-like three-wheeled vehicles can quickly pick up speed and, contrary to classic car taxis, where the fare is divided among all of the passengers picked up along the way, charge based on distance.
Final Thoughts
While the word “travelling” usually elicits the image of airplanes soaring in the sky, hopping into taxis can also enrich journeys and provide truly unique experiences.
Learn more fascinating and fun facts about taxis in our article about taxi and delivery driver slang words.