It started with a single horseless carriage and a meter ticking away on the streets of Stuttgart. In 1897, Gottlieb Daimler’s Victoria became the world’s first taxi, fitted with the world’s first taximeter to measure time and distance traveled. Its top speed was a modest 11 mph — barely faster than a brisk jog — but it was enough to spark an industry. The well-heeled novelty-seekers of Stuttgart could hardly have imagined what would follow. Two decades later, the more affordable Ford Model T democratized the taxi trade, turning it into a genuine transport alternative for people from all walks of life.
Â
