What Are Taxi Meters Called?
They are called taximeters—the device in a cab that calculates the fare based on time and distance. In everyday speech, especially in English-speaking countries, drivers and riders often shorten this to “the meter” or “cab meter,” but the formal term is taximeter.
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What the Term Means and Where It Comes From
The word taximeter blends the French “taxe” (a charge or tariff) and the Greek “metron” (measure), literally meaning a device that measures a fare. The modern instrument was developed in the late 19th century; a key step was the 1891 invention attributed to German engineer Friedrich Wilhelm Gustav Bruhn. As motor cabs spread in major cities in the early 1900s, the machines were fitted to vehicles to provide transparent, standardized pricing—so much so that “taxi” itself is widely traced to “taximeter cab.”
How a Taximeter Works Today
Contemporary taximeters compute fares using distance and time, applying a locally mandated tariff schedule. They receive input from the vehicle (via transmission/wheel sensors) or GPS, switch between “hired” and “vacant” states, add surcharges (for things like night service or airport fees), and display/record the result. Many models integrate with card payment terminals, printers, roof lights, dispatch systems, and—even in app-based fleets—digital receipts. Regulatory metrology frameworks such as OIML R21 (international) and NIST Handbook 44 (U.S.) set performance and sealing requirements, with local Weights and Measures agencies responsible for certification and calibration.
The following list outlines the core functions you can expect from a modern taximeter.
- Measure distance traveled using vehicle pulses or GPS.
- Measure elapsed time when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly.
- Apply a tariff schedule that combines time and distance (and may vary by zone, time of day, or service class).
- Add regulated extras and surcharges (e.g., airport fees, tolls, luggage, night rate).
- Display fare components to driver and passenger; illuminate roof light for hire status.
- Record and secure transaction data; print or send electronic receipts.
- Provide security features (seals, event logs) to prevent tampering and enable inspections.
- Integrate with payment systems, dispatch, and, in some markets, smartphone apps.
Together, these features ensure fares are calculated consistently, visibly, and in compliance with local rules, which protects both passengers and drivers.
What People Call It Around the World
While “taximeter” is the standard technical name, everyday usage and translations vary by region and language. Here are common equivalents and colloquial terms.
- English: taximeter; commonly just “meter” or “cab meter.”
- German: Taxameter (also Fahrpreisanzeiger in formal contexts).
- Spanish: taxímetro.
- French: taximètre.
- Italian: tassametro.
- Portuguese: taxímetro.
- Turkish: taksimetre.
- Greek: ταξίμετρο (taxímetro).
- Russian: таксометр (taksometr).
- Arabic: عدّاد الأجرة (addād al-ʾujra, “fare counter”).
- Hindi (colloquial): मीटर (meter) or किराया मीटर (kiraya meter).
Despite linguistic differences, all these terms refer to the same device—a regulated instrument that calculates a taxi fare by measuring time and distance under local tariff rules.
Related Terms and Useful Distinctions
Taximeter versus odometer: an odometer only counts distance, while a taximeter calculates a payable fare using both distance and time plus tariff logic. In ride-hailing apps, the on-screen “meter” is typically a software-based computation tied to GPS and server-side pricing rules; in many cities, licensed taxis still require a certified hardware taximeter, though some jurisdictions now permit approved smartphone-based meters.
Summary
The device that calculates a cab fare is called a taximeter—often shortened to “the meter.” It measures time and distance, applies regulated tariffs and surcharges, and is subject to metrological control to ensure accurate, transparent pricing worldwide.
What is a taxi station called?
A taxicab stand (also called taxi rank, cab stand, taxi stand, cab rank, or hack stand) is a queue area on a street or on private property where taxicabs line up to wait for passengers.
What is the taxi meter in a car?
The taximeter is a device used primarily in taxis to calculate the fare of the journey based on the prices approved by the Public Administration. This calculation is based on a combination of distance traveled and time.
What is a taxi meter called?
A taximeter or fare meter is a mechanical or electronic device installed in taxicabs and auto rickshaws that calculates passenger fares based on a combination of distance travelled and waiting time. Its shortened form, “taxi”, is also a metonym for the hired cars that use them.
What is a metered taxi?
metered taxi means a motor vehicle designed for conveying passengers and which is fitted with a taxi meter which records distance travelled or time taken in undertaking a journey; View Source.
