Word 'taxi' traces back to 'taximeter,' the device that measured distance and fare in early cars.

A closer look

Before the meter, hailing a ride was like spinning a wheel of fortune—prices often made up on the spot, passengers at the mercy of drivers. Then came the ‘taximeter,’ a ticking guardian that measured kilometers and calculated fares like an unbiased referee. It brought order where chaos ruled, and trust where suspicion festered. From this device, the very word ‘taxi’ was born. It’s a neat reminder that sometimes, technology doesn’t just change the game—it writes the name of the game itself.