Fading goodbyes of yellow cabs
In Germany, the sight of a taxi on the streets can offer a glimpse into the regional customs and consumer preferences of the country. Over 54 million people in Germany still live in a part of the country where taxis are always beige, while in southern states such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, black taxis are more common.
This color difference can be traced back to historical and cultural conventions. In the early 70s, Georg Leber, Federal Minister of Transport, uniformly made taxis light beige across the Federal Republic of Germany. The light beige color was chosen to appear discreet and serious, not flashy. However, practical considerations also played a role. Dark colors like black, which were common until 1971, absorbed sunlight strongly, making the vehicles hotter during the summer months.
Northern German taxis, including those in cities like Hamburg or Bremen, more frequently adhere to the cream color scheme common across much of the country. On the other hand, southern German taxis, with their black vehicles, align with a stereotype of elegance and luxury.
Recent changes in regulations have allowed for more flexibility in taxi colors. For instance, the state of Saxony-Anhalt has made the choice of taxi color possible at the beginning of the month, bringing simplifications and economic advantages for taxi companies, according to the state's Minister of Transport, Lydia Hüskens (FDP).
However, regional differences still exist. In six states of Germany (Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and Saxony-Anhalt), the color of taxis has been approved for variation. The specific color number for light beige is RAL 1015.
Some skeptics question whether the sign on the roof is clearly enough, and whether a uniform color would not be a better regulation. However, the distinction in taxi colors remains a cultural and regional variation rather than a formal national regulation.
Approximately 29 million people in Germany live in a state without a fixed taxi color, adding to the diversity of the German taxi landscape. As such, the color of taxis in Germany continues to be an interesting reflection of the country's rich cultural and regional differences.
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