SpotGenie Fact: India’s First Taxi Service (1911)

India’s First Taxi Service: A Century of Kaali-Peeli Rides

When legends like the “Kaali-Peeli” taxis roar through Mumbai today, it’s hard to imagine the roots of India’s motorized cab culture. But did you know that India’s first motor taxi service began in Mumbai in 1911? This marked the dawning of motorized public transport, replacing horse-drawn carriages and forever changing urban mobility.

It all started nearly 113 years ago in 1911, when motorized taxis were introduced in Bombay, ushering in a new era of public transport. This innovation laid the foundation for what would become the iconic black and yellow. “Kaali-Peeli” taxis, deeply embedded in India’s urban legacy.

Imagine navigating Bombay’s busy streets in one of those early cabs, crackling engines, the distant clatter of trams, and curious onlookers watching this mechanical marvel. It was modernity in motion.

Over time, the image of the Kaali-Peeli taxi became symbolic, not just a ride, but a cultural icon. Today, while app-based cab services dominate, the legacy of those first taxis lives on, reminding us that every ride tells a story.

And speaking of connections, just like those first Bollywood-famous taxis got you across town, SpotGenie’s Smart QR Stickers connect you seamlessly with your vehicle, especially when it matters most.

Other Facts:

Check out more iconic transport milestones:

• India’s First Toll Road , Indore to Pithampur (1993)
• India’s First Traffic Signal , Mumbai, 1939
• India’s Longest Elevated Road , Hindon Elevated Road, Ghaziabad

Follow us on:
🅾 Instagram | ⓕ Facebook | 𝕏 X | ▶️ YouTube | 🟢 WhatsApp