Description/Abstract: The Daimler Victoria Is Invented, Monday, 12/7


Did you know that the word’s first meter-equipped and gasoline powered taxi, the Daimler Victoria, was invented by Gottlieb Daimler in 1897? That taximeters were originally mounted outside the cab above the driver’s front side wheel and that electronic meters were not introduced until the 1980s? That the yellow cab got its color in 1908 at the suggestion of Nettie Rockwell, wife of the President of New Departure, Inc.? That there are extensive rules governing for-hire vehicles, including "gypsy cars", "livery cars", "black cars", and "dollar cabs" -- including how they look and operate?

On December 7 newspaper stories will feature the interesting history of taxicabs, from the Gottlieb Daimler to the latest New York City hybrid, complete with GPS and television, the Toyota Prius.

For additional information be sure to check out the PBS homepage for Taxi Dreams, a documentary series about New York City taxicabs and five immigrants trying to make a living.