A taxicab (usually just called a taxi or cab) is a car that you can hire to drive you somewhere, with a driver who knows the area and will take you wherever you need to go for a fee. Unlike a bus that follows a set route, a taxi takes you directly from where you are to your specific destination.

Taxis have existed for over a century. Before cars, people hired horse-drawn carriages called hansom cabs to get around cities. When automobiles became common in the early 1900s, these vehicles evolved into modern taxicabs.

You'll recognize taxis in most cities by their distinctive features: a light on the roof (often lit up when available), official markings or colors, and a taximeter displaying the fare. In New York City, taxis are famously yellow. In London, the classic black cabs are so well-designed that drivers must pass an incredibly difficult test called “The Knowledge” to prove they've memorized the entire city's streets.

Today, apps like Uber and Lyft work similarly to traditional taxis, though they use regular cars and smartphones instead of meters and roof lights. But the idea remains the same: personal transportation when you need it, driven by someone else.