At the close of the the 19th century electric battery powered taxicabs became available. The early models were known as " hummingbirds " because of the humming sound of the batteries.
The next major advance was the invention of the meter by German Friedrich Bruhn. This device enabled the fare to be calculated accurately linking it to distance travelled and time.
Petrol powered cabs operated in London from 1903. In the 1940's and 50's radios began to appear this enabled cab drivers and the dispatchers to communicate easily and was a great step forward in providing an efficient service to customers.
The taxi has also played an important role in conflict for instance at the battle of The Marne in WW1, and more recently, during the pub bombings in Birmingham in 1974.
