In 1904, the first taxi made its debut in Mumbai, before which, Vintage Plymouths and Dodges ruled the city roads. Then came the famous Austins.

During the 1970s, Mumbai roads were flooded with hundreds of ‘Premier Padminis’; even today most of the taxis are Premier Padminis. Presently, Mumbai has over 55,000 registered taxis and about 850 air-conditioned taxis. At least 13,000 of the registered taxis run on Compressed Natural Gas [C.N.G].

Tips For Hiring Taxis

• Always pay by metre. Although most taxi drivers are polite and friendly, some odd drivers may charge extra, in which case, ask him to the show tariff card and pay accordingly.
  
  
• Identifying a prominent landmark will take you to your destination faster, since most of the city roads have been renamed.
  
  
• Blue "cool cabs" are ideal for summers but 33% more expensive than regular taxis.
  
  
• Check for share-a-cab services near Churchgate, C.S.T, Nariman Point and other important places, to cut down travelling expenditure.

Important Telephone Numbers

• For lost and found articles: Mumbai Taxi Association, Phone: 307 8414 /8409, President: Mr A L Quadros, Dial a Cool Cab: 263 2744 / 613 1111.
  
  
• Intercity taxis (Pune-Mumbai-Pune),
  Address: Napu Road, Hindu Colony, Opposite Lane # 3, Dadar East, Mumbai - 400 015, Phone: 416 9191.
  
  
• (Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai),
  Address: Opposite Dadar Post Office,
  Dr Ambedkar Road, Dadar East, Mumbai - 400 014, Phone: 411 4040.
  
  
• Mumbai-Nashik-Shirdi,
  Address: L N Road, Near Central Railway, Under Tilak Bridge, Dadar East, Mumbai, Phone: 416 9245.

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