Farewell Journey of the Taxi Yellow Vehicles
Germany's Taxi Colour Diversity: A Decentralised Approach
In Germany, the traditional colour for taxis has been a uniform light beige, but recent changes in some regions are introducing a new palette of colours to the country's taxi fleet.
The standard regulation, enforced in the 1970s by Georg Leber, the Federal Minister of Transport, dictated that taxis should be painted in light ivory (RAL 1015) to improve recognition and provide safety benefits. However, this uniformity is beginning to fade as regional differences emerge.
Taxi regulations in Germany are primarily controlled at the federal state level, allowing local authorities some flexibility in specifying taxi colours and other features. This decentralised approach is the main reason for the regional variations in taxi appearance.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the latest decision has brought simplifications and economic advantages for taxi companies. The region has recently made the choice of taxi colour free, allowing taxis to be painted in a variety of colours. This change is a departure from the nationwide common standard, as approximately 29 million people live in a federal state without a fixed taxi colour.
The more southerly regions of Germany tend to have more black taxis, while the more northerly regions are more likely to have light ivory taxis. For instance, Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Rhineland-Palatinate, the Saarland, and Saxony-Anhalt have relaxed their rules, allowing taxis to be painted in different colours. On the other hand, the federal states of Saxony, Brandenburg, Thuringia, Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania still require taxis to remain in light ivory.
The choice of colour for taxis is not just about aesthetics. Practical considerations also play a role. Light beige conceals dust, dirt, minor dents, and damage better, making it a practical choice. Additionally, the chosen light colour tone was not too eye-catching, maintaining a discreet and serious image for taxis.
In contrast, until 1971, many taxis were still black due to the absence of air conditioning, making the vehicles uncomfortable for drivers and passengers due to heat absorption. The transition to light ivory was a step towards improving the working conditions for taxi drivers.
It's worth noting that police officers in most states wear blue uniforms, a contrast to the varying taxi colours. Despite these differences, all taxis must still be recognizable as such, with signage and a taxi light on the roof prescribed.
Intriguingly, Germany, a country known for its traditionalism, no longer has telephone booths, another example of the country's evolving landscape. As the taxi industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the regional differences in taxi colours and designs develop in the future.
Read also:
- Foreign financial aid for German citizens residing abroad persists
- "Germany appears less environmentally friendly compared to Texas, according to Harald Lesch's climate documentary"
- Investing 1 billion funds into the police force of North Rhine-Westphalia for battling rodents and mold issues
- Tesla resurrects transferred Full Self-Driving feature amid other promotional offers
