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Who invented the taxi meter?

August 24, 2006 09:34 IST
Taxicabs

The black and yellow taxis have become an inevitable part of our commute in the cities. Take the rediff biz quiz and find how much you know about taxis.

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1. Who built the first modern meter-equipped taxi?
a) Gottlieb Daimler
b) Karl Benz
c) Wilhelm Maybach

2. Who invented the taximeter?
a) Siegfried Marcas
b) Wilhelm Bruhn
c) Samuel Brown

3. In which city did petrol taxis first start running?
a) Paris
b) London
c) New York

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong!
The correct answer is Paris.
Petrol powered taxis began operating first in Paris in 1899. It started in London in 1903 and in New York in 1907. The New York taxis were imported from France by businessperson Harry N Allen, who adapted the French word 'taxi-metre' and coined the word 'taxicab'. Allen was also the first person to paint his taxis yellow, after realising that yellow can be easily seen from a distance.
Correct!
Petrol powered taxis began operating first in Paris in 1899. It started in London in 1903 and in New York in 1907. The New York taxis were imported from France by businessperson Harry N Allen, who adapted the French word 'taxi-metre' and coined the word 'taxicab'. Allen was also the first person to paint his taxis yellow, after realising that yellow can be easily seen from a distance.

4. Which company tied up with Fiat to introduce taxis in India?
a) Mahindra & Mahindra
b) Premier Automobiles
c) Hindustan Motors

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong!
The correct answer is Premier Automobiles.
Premier Automobiles Ltd joined hands with Fiat to introduce taxies in India. Premier started manufacturing cars in India in 1968. The company stopped manufacturing in 2000 but the cabs still ply in Mumbai. Premier became quite a hit as people preferred the sleek premier padmini to Hindutan Motors' bulky ambassador. .
Correct!
Premier Automobiles Ltd joined hands with Fiat to introduce taxies in India. Premier started manufacturing cars in India in 1968. The company stopped manufacturing in 2000 but the cabs still ply in Mumbai. Premier became quite a hit as people preferred the sleek premier padmini to Hindutan Motors' bulky ambassador.

5. Where is the largest taxi driver-training centre located?
a) London
b) Paris
c) New York

Wrong! Try again..
Wrong!
The correct answer is New York.
The Master Cabbie Taxi Academy in New York is the world's largest centre for training and placement needs of the taxi drivers. The Institute started in 1996 by Terry Gelber, trains drivers travel safely and professionally.
Correct!
The Master Cabbie Taxi Academy in New York is the world's largest centre for training and placement needs of the taxi drivers. The Institute started in 1996 by Terry Gelber, trains drivers travel safely and professionally.

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