The Fascinating History and Color of New York City Taxis

New York City is known for its iconic yellow taxis that are a familiar sight to locals and visitors alike. But why are these taxis yellow, and what is the history behind this distinctive color choice?

The Historical Background of Yellow Taxis in New York

The practice of painting New York City taxis yellow has a long and interesting history. Since 1968, the city's official yellow cabs have been designed to make them easily recognizable and more visible to both locals and tourists. This color choice was initially implemented to combat unofficial taxi operations and ensure that all licensed taxis could be readily identified.

A significant factor in the adoption of the yellow color is the tradition that stems from John D. Hertz, a prominent figure in the automotive industry. Hertz was the president of the Yellow Cab Company and served on the board of several bus and taxi companies. The yellow color became a standard across his operations, and it is believed that this successful branding led to its widespread adoption across the United States.

The Evolution of Cab Colors in the United States

Yellow became the standard in many areas of the United States, particularly because it is one of the easiest colors to spot during the day (when black would be difficult to see) and at night (when red might be insufficiently visible). The color red is often associated with high-end vehicles, such as sports cars and pickup trucks, while yellow is strongly linked to public transportation, such as buses and taxis.

While New York City's taxis must be yellow according to the city's regulations, it's important to note that there are exceptions. For instance, some taxis are green and are only licensed to operate outside the Manhattan borough. Additionally, there are official yellow taxis with different color schemes, such as green, which operate in the outer boroughs.

The Early Days of New York City Taxis

The history of New York City's yellow taxis begins with a car salesman named John Hertz. In 1907, Hertz started a taxi business to take advantage of his surplus of traded-in cars. To ensure these taxis were easily identifiable, he chose the color yellow, a decision influenced by a survey conducted by the University of Chicago. This survey concluded that yellow was the most visible color, making it ideal for taxis.

The color yellow became so synonymous with the taxi industry that it even found its way into the branding and logo of the Hertz Corporation after John Hertz established it in 1953.

Recent Changes in Taxi Regulations

While yellow has been the standard for many years, there have been recent changes in taxi regulations that impact the color scheme. In 2011, the city introduced a new design for medallion taxis, which are the only taxis that can pick up street hails legally. This new design includes a blue and white color scheme with a navy blue band, while the taxis must also have registration numbers, "no refusal" stickers, and AC marking.

Despite these changes, the distinctive yellow color remains a beloved and iconic part of New York City's transportation landscape. Whether you're a longtime resident or a visitor, you're sure to notice these eye-catching taxis on the city streets.