Why are taxis all over the world marked with checkers?

All over the world, taxi cars are marked the same way - with checkers. They can be applied in a variety of places and have different sizes and quantities, but they will definitely be there. Why was this particular symbol chosen as the international designation for a taxi?

The first real taxis equipped with taximeters appeared in 1907 in London. This year can be considered the official date of the appearance of this important service. The taximeter itself appeared even earlier - it was invented in 1891 by the German designer Wilhelm Bruhn.

Checkers appeared on taxis only in 1948, thanks to the Americans. The symbolism and its location were copied from New York taxis and transferred to domestic Pobeda cars. First, as always, the innovation was adopted by the capital's taxi companies, and later the standard became common to all republics of the Union. There are many versions of the origin of checkers and we will offer you the most plausible ones.

The most common story of the appearance of taxi symbols is associated with the American city of Chicago. In the 1920s, two large transportation companies operated there—Yellow Cab Company and Checker Taxi. The checkers were the symbol of the second company (“checker” - checkers), which had great authority among the townspeople. Due to the company's popularity, its special markings have become popular with other companies.

Another legend about taxi checkers deserves less confidence. Some argue that this symbolism was taken directly from the Formula 1 race tracks. It is there that the start signal is given with a “chess” flag. According to supporters of this explanation, the checkers should symbolize the speed of transportation of passengers.

It is known that checkers is a fast game that uses many maneuvers. Therefore, there is a small chance that the international symbol of the taxi service was created in honor of this game. Cars rush passengers quickly, maneuvering in the traffic. This explanation may seem ridiculous, but it is also impossible to confidently say that it is incorrect.