10 greatest taxis of the world
There are only two certainties in the world -- death and taxis, Benjamin Franklin nearly said. Here's a look at the best of the latter
Cabs, like the Grim Reaper, are one of the worldâs great constants; wherever you go theyâre always there -- unless itâs raining.
But times are tough for these ubiquitous people carriers. Spiraling fuel costs are pushing up fares, and pesky governments are intent on driving classic -- if environmentally disastrous -- models off the road.
So before itâs too late, we've taken a look at the world's greatest taxis. This lot don't just turn your A into B, they turn your cash into experiences. All hail.
Got your own great taxi experiences? Let us know below in the comments.
10. Mexico Cityâs VW Beetles
Herbie's ozone-destroying, chain-smoking twin.
Everyone likes VW Beetles, so weâve stuck Mexicoâs iconic vochos in at number 10. There isnât much to love about these pollution-belching bugs though.
Not unless you enjoy being squeezed into a tiny seat and -- if you risk an unlicensed cab -- being robbed at knife-point.
In the back: Diminutive Mexican drug lord JoaquĂn âEl Chapoâ GuzmĂĄn Loera.
Tip factor: If the driver has removed the front passenger seat for extra legroom.
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9. Shanghai's VW Jettas
With Shanghai's cabs you need to wipe your feet ... after you get out.
Thereâs nothing iconic about Shanghaiâs humdrum fleet of Volkswagen Jettas and itâs never clear if the Perspex screen around the driver is to keep phlegm in or out.
But to zip in a cab over the cityâs elevated neon expressways is to truly experience modern Shanghai: cheap, fast and just a little bit dirty.
In the back: Yao Ming (provided thereâs a sun roof he can stick his head out through).
Tip factor: If the driver gets there without mounting the sidewalk.
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8. Moscowâs Porsches
If you drive a Porsche for a living you can paint it any color you want, OK?
Most major cities have novelty boats, helicopters or luxury car taxis, but somehow being picked up by a Porsche makes more sense in Moscow where oligarchs have money to burn and are apparently willing to pay a US$95 flag-fall.
Cheaper options are available, but this is Moscow, so not much cheaper.
In the back: Vladimir Putin, a man used to backseat driving.
Tip factor: What the hell, just round it up to the nearest US$100.
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7. Hong Kongâs Toyota Crown Comforts
How many damp Hong Kongers can you fit inside a Toyota?
Color-coded in primary reds, greens and blues, Hong Kongâs boxy Toyota Crown Comfort taxis have a reassuring Toy Town feel, with prices to match.
Drivers will go anywhere for a quick dollar, even in a typhoon. They wonât go to the expat enclave of Discovery Bay though, but who can blame them?
In the back: Hong Kong Chief Exec Donald Tsang, with a beady eye on the meter.
Tip factor: If the cab isnât air-conditioned to below freezing point.
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6. NĂźrburgringâs BMWs
This is the look she gives you right before she becomes an evil demon racing taxi mistress. Prepare to cry.
If Germanyâs speed unlimited autobahns arenât fast enough, you can hire a souped-up BMW taxi to rocket you around the countryâs NĂźrburgring Grand Prix circuit.
Youâll be charged a small fortune for this and youâll end up almost exactly where you started, but there the similarity to other taxis ends.
In the back: Michael Schumacher, picking up a few tips.
Tip factor: If you manage to keep your lunch down.
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