The interesting history of the cab in Madrid

The interesting history of the cab in Madrid

The interesting history of the cab in Madrid

Although it seems that the radio cab in Madrid center has always been in our lives, the truth is that it is a sector that presents a long evolution until reaching its current form. A history that began in the late sixteenth century and has not stopped living changes until today, continuously innovating.

The origin of the radio cab in Madrid center goes back to the mules for hire that began to travel around the capital during the reign of Felipe II. A means of transport that coexisted with chairs and hand-carried litters. The entrepreneurs of both services moved their businesses to the outskirts of the city to escape municipal control.

In the 18th century, the horse-drawn carriage became popular. These carriages could be rented and were called "manuelas" and "simones". They became very famous for literary gatherings. Their high prices and discomfort were well known. A few years later, the "coches diligentes" appeared, carriages that were operated in accordance with municipal regulations. They have a fixed stop, specific schedules and the drivers have an official uniform.

The circulation of these hired carriages increased during the 19th century. During this century, rides along the Castellana and El Retiro become common. Due to their success, the Madrid City Council decides to apply a series of common rules that are mandatory.

Already in the 20th century, these carriages circulated throughout the city, a space they shared with mechanical traction vehicles. This was undoubtedly the century of greatest development of this means of transport. Nowadays, cabs have to share the limelight with other public transport such as the metro or the bus.

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