The all-Russian calendar is filled with professional holidays and thematic dates. Not without attention were motorists. They accept congratulations at the end of October on Driver's Day, truckers receive gifts in August, wishes are sent to military motorists in May, and taxi driver’s day is celebrated on March days. By the way, the last holiday mentioned is found not only in the Russian calendar, this day is celebrated all over the world, therefore it bears the proud name of the international.
And this significant date for the employees of the taxi fleet falls on March 22nd. On this day, more than a hundred years ago, specialized cars drove onto the roads of London, in the cabin of which devices that determine the fare were installed. Then these counters were called taximeters, which means “board” in French, and “measurement” in Greek. Since that time, this type of transport got its name - taxi, and the carriers were renamed to taxi drivers.
The history of the holiday
Carriage of passengers for money has existed since ancient times. But do not confuse drivers of custom vehicles with a horse- drawn carriage driver . This type of transportation of citizens started in the first half of the 17th century. Then the customers also paid for the fare according to the distance, but this can hardly be considered the history of the taxi. Because in this case one should already mention chariots in the period of antiquity in Ancient Rome.
In trying to delve into history, the French managed to distinguish themselves, who are not satisfied that Taxi Driver Day arose in Britain. According to French historians, it should be borne in mind that the so-called fiacres moved around the cities of France in 1896. They were hired light crews that moved without the help of horses. But taxis are not fiakras, but cars, so International Taxi Driver Day leaves London the right to call itself the birthplace of this holiday.
The origin of taxis in Russia
In Russia, the emergence and development of the taxi industry took place in 1908. Then taxis were present in all major cities of the country, but the taxi fleet in the province did not exceed 30 cars. Only in St. Petersburg and Moscow passenger transport by car became common. Then the taxi fleet of the capital was filled with more than 230 cars. But during the October Revolution, the development of the taxi industry stopped. And only on June 21, 1925 the government decided to reopen regular taxi services, which included 15 cars. It is this date that modern Moscow taxi drivers call Russian Taxi Day. This day, as well as the International Day of the taxi driver, became a reason for congratulations.
Unique taxi coloring
It should be noted that all taxi cars around the world have a bright color. The first British taxis were painted green and red. But the traditional yellow color was fixed for a taxi thanks to the American entrepreneur John Hertz (John Hertz). He was the owner of a large car rental company, Hertz Corporation. Buying old cars, the American repainted them in yellow and put them into operation in the form of a taxi. It is easy to guess that such catchy colors of cars could be easily seen on the streets of the city. Later, many similar offices borrowed this habit. And yellow taxis have become classics in all countries of the world.
Checkers
Another distinctive feature of a taxi is a checkered pattern. Its purpose is also to attract the attention of passengers, in addition, this ornament evoked associations with racing cars, and more precisely, with their speed and speed of movement.
Features of the taxi driver
But it's time to pay attention to the drivers themselves, or rather, taxi drivers. To proudly celebrate Taxi Driver Day, it’s not enough to have a yellow car with a checker, the main thing here is different. The driver profession is not easy. In everyday life and the work of a taxi driver there are many difficulties and features. He needs to perfectly master the technique of driving vehicles, to know the rules of the road, to be able to maneuver in city bustle and traffic jams, to know the names of streets and nearby territories.
There is another specific aspect of the taxi driver profession - communication with people. It is necessary in any situation to remain polite with the client, to maintain restraint and calm, and this is very difficult if there is an alcoholic, a bore or a snapper nearby. After all, once having broken, you can lose your job for a long time. Also, the driver also completely lays responsibility for the life and health of the passenger.
You will not envy taxi drivers in the work schedule. A clear schedule, night shifts, breaking the daily routine can seriously affect your health. Therefore, one should take into account all the difficulties of working days of taxi drivers, and on March 22 give all men of this profession a sincere smile, cover them with congratulations and gifts.
Taxi driver holiday
In today's world, finding greetings on Taxi Driver Day is incredibly simple. Using imagination, you can easily pick up a wish that will surprise and delight the driver, will not let you doubt the correct choice of this profession.
Taxi driver's day in Russia is always a noticeable and enjoyable holiday. One cannot but notice the revival of women in souvenir gift shops; on radio stations, congratulations always flow like water, moreover, a week before and after the holiday. And the faces of the drivers themselves are filled with joy and fun. Taxi driver day is a special event for them, which they quite deservedly and gladly celebrate.