Farewell Journey of the Yellow Taxis
In the 1970s, Georg Leber, the Federal Minister of Transport in Germany, introduced a regulation that standardised the colour of taxis across the country, making them a uniform almost white, creamy yellow (RAL 1015 - light ivory) [1]. This move was part of a broader effort to enhance recognisability, safety, and a more discreet, serious image for taxis, as opposed to a flashy one.
However, despite this approval, many taxi operators still prefer light ivory vehicles, according to Michael Oppermann from BVTM [2]. This preference continues to persist, even after the lifting of the requirement for taxis to be light ivory, which occurred in November 2005 [3].
The recent regulation in Saxony-Anhalt brings simplifications and economic advantages for taxi companies [5]. This change, which took effect at the beginning of the month, allows for greater flexibility in choosing taxi colours. Interestingly, regional differences regarding taxi colours still exist in Germany. The further south, the more widespread black vehicles are; conversely, the further north, the more likely the vehicles are to be light ivory [6].
Currently, around 54 million people in Germany live in a part of the country where taxis are always beige, while approximately 29 million people reside in a federal state without a fixed taxi colour [7]. Intriguingly, 16 federal states of Germany have predominantly light ivory taxis [8]. Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and Saxony-Anhalt are among the six states that have approved changes to taxi colours [9].
Six federal states in Germany have recently allowed taxis to be of various colours [10]. This change likely aims to reduce regulatory burdens and allow taxi companies to adopt more modern and personalised branding. However, some skeptics question whether the sign on the roof is sufficiently identifiable and whether a uniform colour would be a better regulation [11].
In the past, practical considerations also played a role in the choice of taxi colours. For example, dust and dirt, as well as minor dents and damage, were less noticeable on light beige vehicles, which were often used before the widespread adoption of air conditioning [12].
In conclusion, while the specific rationale for choosing light ivory as the standard colour for taxis in Germany isn't explicitly documented, it seems clear that this decision was driven by both aesthetic and safety considerations. The recent changes in regulations allow for greater flexibility and diversity in taxi colours, reflecting the evolving landscape of the German taxi industry.
- The decision to make light ivory (RAL 1015 - light ivory) the standard color for taxis in Germany in the 1970s was part of a broader effort involving multiple industries, including transportation and finance, to enhance recognizability, safety, and a more discreet image for taxis.
- Despite changes in regulations that allow taxi companies in several German states to choose from a variety of colors, some regions still maintain a preference for light ivory vehicles, showcasing the ongoing influence of the finance and transportation industries in shaping the taxi industry's aesthetic.
