Navigating Bogotá's Taxis: A UK Traveller's Guide

When picturing a taxi, many in the UK immediately conjure images of the iconic London Black Cab, a symbol of reliability and heritage. But what about taxis in other vibrant metropolises across the globe? Stepping into Bogotá, Colombia, presents a taxi landscape that is both unique and evolving, blending a rich history with modern challenges and extensive regulatory efforts. For the discerning UK traveller, understanding this system is key to a smooth and secure experience.

Bogotá's taxi service is a crucial artery of its bustling urban life, and like any major city, it comes with its own set of guidelines, historical quirks, and points of concern. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, drawing on official reports and fascinating historical insights, to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the city's yellow fleet with confidence.

Understanding Regulation and Ensuring Safety

For any visitor, safety and legitimacy are paramount concerns when using public transport. In Bogotá, the Secretaría Distrital de Movilidad (District Secretariat of Mobility), in conjunction with the Traffic Police, plays a pivotal role in regulating the taxi service and combating illegal operations. Their efforts are robust, with official figures revealing a significant drive against unauthorised transport.

Since 2020, over 9,674 fines have been issued for the use of unauthorised vehicles providing public transport services, averaging more than 500 citations per month. This aggressive stance underscores the risks associated with illegal transport, which operates outside state control, lacks legal habilitation, and fails to comply with national and district regulations. Users of such services are not only at risk of legal repercussions but also face significant safety concerns, as these vehicles and their drivers do not meet the stringent requirements set for legitimate public transport.

The Secretariat of Mobility firmly states that Bogotá's taxis are the only legally authorised individual public transport service. To ensure your safety and adherence to local laws, it's crucial to understand the requirements for a legal taxi:

• Operation Card and Control Card: Essential documentation for the vehicle and driver.
• Mandatory Accident Insurance (SOAT): Covers personal injuries in traffic accidents.
• Civil Liability Policy: Additional insurance for contractual and extra-contractual liabilities.
• Technical-Mechanical Review: Regular inspections to ensure vehicle roadworthiness.
• Periodic Preventive and Corrective Maintenance: Vehicles must be well-maintained.
• Driver Social Security: Ensures drivers are covered for health and other benefits.

These requirements are designed to provide a high standard of quality and safety, ensuring that in the event of an unforeseen incident or accident, both drivers and passengers have the necessary support and tools for resolution. The administration's commitment to controlling illegality is clear, urging citizens to opt for regulated taxis for their individual transport needs.

Administrative investigations into private vehicle owners and drivers for transport infractions are conducted rigorously. Fines for such violations can range dramatically, from one to seven hundred monthly legal minimum wages, depending on the outcome of the investigation. Between 2020 and June 2021, nearly 20,000 continuation hearings were held for contraventional processes related to illegal public transport, resulting in over 4,800 rulings, with a staggering 96% declaring responsibility for illegal service provision.

Companies Under Scrutiny and Modernisation Efforts

While the overall push is towards a regulated and safe service, official reports highlight specific companies that have faced scrutiny. According to the District Secretariat of Mobility, as reported by Caracol Radio, companies such as Taxis Libres Bogotá, Nueva Empresa de Taxis, Rentaxi S.A., Taxis Teleclub Ltda, Air Taxis, Coop Teletaxi, and GB Transmio have been identified among those with performance concerns.

In a bid to modernise and improve service quality, Bogotá's taxi industry has been undergoing a significant digital transformation. The city's administration has pushed for the integration of technological platforms, requiring taxi companies to operate with approved applications. Of the 57 taxi companies in Bogotá, 19 had submitted their operating applications by early 2019, with more expected to follow. These applications must be registered with the Ministry of Transport and have an agreement with the taxi companies themselves.

The Ministry of Transport has enabled 19 applications, with 11 based in Bogotá. These include:

• Red Amarilla (by Cotech S.A.)
• Prontuz by Coopamer
• Digi+ (basic)
• Digitaxi (luxury)
• Taxis Ya
• Taxi Finder
• T-driver
• Taxi Élite
• Mi águila
• Megataxi VIP
• Infotaxi

A key innovation is the Sirc (System for Information and Driver Registry), designed to enhance transparency and accountability. Over 75% of companies have already registered detailed driver information within this system. Furthermore, new passenger-facing apps, often accessible via a tablet in the back of the taxi, provide real-time information on the journey, fare, and a digital driver card, ensuring greater transparency for the user.

Several companies have opted to utilise established platforms. For instance, Taxis Libres, Rentaxi, Tax total, Supertaxi, Copertax, Taxi Imperial, and Teleclub have all adopted the Red Amarilla platform. Digimarketing S.A.S. also stands out, having two platforms enabled by the Ministry of Transport, with companies like Taxi Cupos and Tax Colombia exploring their technology.

A Historical Journey: Bogotá's Checker Cabs

Before the era of digital apps and strict modern regulations, Bogotá's taxi scene had a unique flavour, particularly at its El Dorado Airport. Between the 1960s and 1980s, a significant number of airport taxis belonged to a rather distinctive brand: Checker. This independent American manufacturer, distinct from giants like General Motors or Ford, produced automobiles, primarily taxis, from 1922 to 1982.

The most famous model, the Checker Marathon, gained legendary status, not least for its role as the vehicle driven by Robert De Niro in the iconic 1976 film 'Taxi Driver'. These Marathon models, manufactured largely unchanged from 1959 to 1982, were a common sight in Bogotá, much like they were in New York City.

Founded by Morris Markin in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1922, Checker Motors aimed to meet the burgeoning demand for taxis across the United States. Remarkably, the company remained profitable even during the depths of the Great Depression (1929-1933) and throughout World War II. Checker vehicles were renowned for their robustness and durability, even if their design was often described as neither very modern nor aesthetically pleasing. In 1956, the A8 model was introduced, featuring a more contemporary look (resembling the 1955 Chevrolet) and a stiffer chassis. For the first time, options like automatic transmission, power brakes, and power steering were offered. Few Checker cars predating 1962 survive today, as most were used as taxis and often destroyed at the end of their arduous service life.

Checker's advertising was understated, focusing heavily on the cars' inherent strength and classic lines. They boldly claimed their vehicles could last over 300,000 kilometres, a guarantee few other contemporary car manufacturers dared to offer. With proper maintenance, a Checker could even exceed 500,000 kilometres, though rust, particularly in the chassis, was a common adversary.

Early Checker models featured a 6-cylinder in-line Continental engine, producing a modest 80 horsepower. However, from 1965 onwards, Checker transitioned to Chevrolet engines and transmissions. The base engine became a 6-cylinder in-line unit with 140 horsepower, with optional V-8 engines offering 195 horsepower (283 cubic inches) and later 250 horsepower (327 cubic inches).

Taxi drivers cherished the Checker for its ability to transport more passengers and luggage comfortably. Passengers, too, appreciated the generous space; babies could be transported with their prams, and the high body allowed passengers to keep their hats on without discomfort. Taxi company owners valued the ease with which the doors and fenders could be repaired, a crucial factor in the demanding taxi business.

The Checker Marathon underwent several key developments:

• 1959: Appearance of dual headlights.
• 1961: Introduction of the Marathon model.
• 1964: Transition from Continental to Chevrolet engines.
• 1968: Diesel engine option appears.
• 1969: Phasing out of Studebaker brakes and wheels.
• 1970: Morris Markin, the founder, passes away at 77, succeeded by his son David.
• 1972: Introduction of aluminium and rubber bumpers designed to absorb low-speed impacts.
• 1973: General Motors' TH-400 automatic transmission offered.

Checker also ventured into the private car market in 1960 with the Superba model, available as a 4-door sedan and a station wagon. From 1964, all Checker models, including the Superba, were rebranded as 'Marathon'. The taxi variant was known as the A-11, and the private car as the A-12. The base sedan had a wheelbase of 120 inches (3.05 m), while an extended version measured 129 inches (3.28 m). These extended models, with more luxurious finishes, were often destined for hotels, government officials, funeral homes, or religious institutions, fetching nearly double the price of a standard taxi, yet still finding significant sales.

A particularly notable model was the Aerobús, designed specifically as an airport limousine and produced between 1961 and 1974. Depending on the model, the Aerobús could transport 9 or 12 people along with ample luggage. Its structure was engineered for bus-like usage, differing from that of the standard taxi. The 9-passenger and 12-passenger models had wheelbases of 3.92 metres and 4.8 metres respectively. Each passenger enjoyed their own door, and the rear luggage compartment featured a metal grille to prevent bags from damaging the windows. The 12-passenger model holds the world record for the longest mass-produced car.

In the mid-1970s, David Markin sought to revitalise the company. Edgard Cole, a former General Motors president known for the success of the 1955 Chevrolet, took up the challenge in 1976, focusing on a more compact taxi model. His initial project involved an extended Volkswagen Rabbit designed to comfortably seat six passengers. Tragically, Cole died in a plane crash in May 1977, ending the compact Checker project.

The demise of Checker Motors in 1982 was influenced by the stringent safety and engine efficiency standards imposed by the US government in the 1970s. As an independent brand with a limited research and development budget, adapting to these new regulations proved incredibly difficult and costly. This pressure led to a decline in product quality; for instance, thinner, more corrosion- and crash-prone sheet metal was used to reduce weight. In 1981, Checker reported its first net loss in over 50 years, with production plummeting to just 3,200 units. David Markin faced increasing issues with the union, and after failed negotiations, he announced in April 1982 his intention to cease taxi production in July, sixty years after the company's inception. True to his word, production ended, marking the end of Checker taxis. However, the company successfully continued to manufacture parts, such as doors and bodywork, for General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford.

The last Checker taxi in New York City was retired on 26th July 1999, unable to meet new emissions legislation. This 1978 model, which had covered an astonishing 994,050 miles, was later sold for $134,500. The Checker, much like the iconic London cabs, achieved mythical status, primarily because it was built with functionality at its core, prioritising purpose over mere design or other less critical considerations.

Challenges and Driver Safety

While Bogotá strives for a safe and regulated taxi service, urban security remains a concern. A tragic incident in May 2023 highlighted the dangers faced by drivers, with 31-year-old taxista Jefferson Alexander Bernal murdered in the Diana Turbay neighbourhood. The investigation into his death, potentially linked to criminal gangs or loan sharks, underscores the calls from the taxi guild for greater guarantees and safety measures for drivers, especially those working late into the night. Such incidents, while isolated, serve as a stark reminder of the broader challenges inherent in a large metropolitan environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I identify a legal taxi in Bogotá?

Legal taxis in Bogotá are typically yellow. They should display an operation card and a control card inside the vehicle. Increasingly, they will also have a tablet in the back providing journey details and a digital driver card, linked to a registered app. Always look for these signs of legitimacy.

Are ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt legal for private hire in Bogotá?

Based on the explicit statements from the Secretaría Distrital de Movilidad, only the traditional taxi service is legally authorised for individual public passenger transport. Vehicles operating outside this framework are considered "unauthorised" and "illegal," facing significant fines and penalties. For your safety and to comply with local regulations, it is strongly advised to use the legally regulated taxi service.

How do I pay for a taxi in Bogotá?

Cash is the most common method of payment. However, with the push towards modernisation, many legal taxis now operate with apps that can facilitate card payments. It's always a good idea to confirm payment options before starting your journey.

What should I do if I have a problem or concern with a taxi service?

If you encounter any issues, such as overcharging or safety concerns, you should report them to the Secretaría Distrital de Movilidad. Note down the taxi's license plate number and any driver identification available through the control card or the in-car tablet app.

Is it safe to take taxis in Bogotá at night?

While the city's authorities are actively combating illegal transport and enforcing regulations, it's always wise to exercise caution, especially late at night. Stick to official, regulated taxis, preferably booked through an authorised app, and be aware of your surroundings. Using reputable companies and apps can add an extra layer of security.

Conclusion

Bogotá's taxi system is a complex yet fascinating blend of history and modernity. From the sturdy, iconic Checker cabs that once graced El Dorado Airport to the ongoing digital transformation of today, the city is committed to providing a reliable and safe transport option. By understanding the regulatory framework, recognising the signs of a legitimate service, and embracing the convenience of modern apps, UK travellers can confidently navigate Bogotá's streets, ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey through this vibrant South American capital. Prioritising legal compliance and being informed are your best tools for a smooth ride.

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