Difference Between Taxi and Cab

A taxi is a short form of cabriolet that comes from a horse-drawn carriage. Different parts of the world use the two terms interchangeably, some having distinct differences to identify them while others do not. Most English-speaking countries use both words, while non-English speakers use taxi almost exclusively, or a regional derivative.

What is a taxi?

A taxi is a vehicle that can be hired for short-term purposes along with the driver to transport people from one point to another. Taxi also means to make an aircraft move along the ground just before takeoff or after landing. Taxis can be purchased by hailing them on the sides of the street.

Most taxis are either a uniform color or have a standard feature that distinguishes them from regular cars. This could be a specific line on the vehicle or a header board marked with the words “taxi” on top of the vehicle. All this depends on the regulations of the region. The requirements for taxis are quite strict. In some cases, cars can only be, and annual licenses can be $100. In order for you to become a legally operating taxi driver, one has to pass specific exams and go through some training.

What is a taxi?

Like taxis, taxis are vehicles hired to transport human beings from one point to a specific destination for a fee. Fares are calculated based on distance and time. Most taxis are booked online through web apps, mobile apps, or phone calls. The word taxi comes from a convertible which was the term used to refer to a horse carriage. A taxi is a more official term used to refer to short-term contracted private transportation services. Some of the taxis in common use today include Uber and Lyft.

Similarities between a taxi and a cab

1) Origin

The two terms originated from the same word, ‘taxicab’. The taxi is the short form of the taximeter and the cab is the short form of a convertible.

2) use

Both taxis and cabs are used for the same purpose. They transport human beings from one point to another at a fixed rate based on distance.

Differences between a taxi and a taxi

1) Regional use

English-speaking countries use both terms to refer to a vehicle that can be hired to transport you from point A to point B. Non-English-speaking countries mostly use the term taxi, or a derivative.

2) Hiring

In certain parts of the world like the UK, taxis can be hailed on the side of the road, while taxis, on the other hand, must be booked online or through a website.

3) License

Taxis have stricter licensing requirements compared to taxis which are also known as private hire vehicles. For example, most taxis have to be a specific type of car; the driver must have a private license, the car must also go through several inspections before the necessary legal documents are issued. For most taxis, the requirements are simple when the vehicle is tested for safety and the driver’s license must have the required PCO license.

4) color

Most taxis should have a uniform color, eg. In New York; They have to be painted yellow for easy identification. Taxis which are mostly private vehicles with drivers have no such requirement.

Summary of Taxi vs. Cab

• Taxis and taxis come from the general term taxis.
• The taxi was purchased from a meter, which refers to the meter normally used to determine charges based on distance.
• The term cab is derived from the term cabriolet, which refers to a one-horse carriage.
• English-speaking countries use both words to refer to the vehicle used to transport people from one point to another for a fee.
• Non-English speaking countries mostly use the word taxi.
• Licensing requirements for taxis are stricter than those for taxis.
• Most taxis in most countries are required to have standard colours; sometimes some regulations require some form of identification; a yellow line or a taxi above the roof of the car.
• Taxis are also known as private chauffeured vehicles.
• Most transportation apps like Uber and lift use the term cab.