Taxi is a vehicle, usually an automobile , for hire. Also called taxicabs or cabs, taxis form an important part of the transportation systems of modern cities and towns . Local laws usually fix the maximum rates that can be charged for taxicab rides.
Almost all taxis have a meter, a device that tracks and displays the fare for the time and distance traveled. This instrument was created by the German inventor Wilhelm Bruhn in 1891. Some cities make use of special areas called zones in calculating fares. Taxis may charge additional fees when passing from one zone into another. They may also charge extra for luggage, multiple passengers, winter driving, or high cost of fuel.
Some cities also permit private car owners to hire out for rides as part of a service such as Uber or Lyft. The service connects drivers with riders, and the driver shares the passenger fare with the company. The companies that provide such ride-sharing services do not need to obey all of the same regulations as do traditional taxicab companies, such as offering fixed maximum rates. But they must make sure that the vehicles are insured, and their drivers must undergo background checks to ensure passenger safety. Some private transportation services offer sophisticated online applications for scheduling pick-ups. They may automatically adjust their rates based on demand, so that passengers pay more during busy periods.
Some cities with major tourist attractions also have pedicabs . These vehicles are human-powered bicycles with two or three passenger seats behind the driver.
