Public transport is the lifeline of Mumbai. We Mumbaikar’s
take extreme pride in our local trains, autos, BEST Buses and the more fondly
called Kaali Peeli Taxi’s (Black and Yellow Cabs ).
When we think of taxis the immediate image that comes to our
mind is that of a PREMIER PADMINI.
It all began in 1950’s, when PREMIER automobile tied up with
FIAT to manufacture the PADMINI. The Padmini was based on the long obsolete
Italian Fiat 1100D model. It was in 1970
that the Padmini was introduced in the Mumbai Taxi fleet and has ever since
ruled the streets of Mumbai.
Each Mumbaikar has a
love hate relation , bitter sweet memories attached with the Kaali Peeli’s.
Some of these taxis come with flashy interiors ,interesting roof patterns , witty
rare windshield messages and are well
maintained while some have
broken doors handles , torn seat covers etc.. Be rest assured whatever
the state of the taxi may be ,you can strike an interesting conversation with
its driver.
The fascination of Bollywood with these Kaali Peeli’s is
never ending. From “Taxi Driver” in 1954 to “Taxi No 9211” in 2006 the taxis
have been a pivotal part of the movies storyline.
The relationship with the Kaali Peeli taxi’s got its first
jolt in 2008, when the court ordered the phasing out of taxis that were older
than 25 years and this year issued a new resolution that takes all taxis older than 20 yrs off road.
You now witness a younger fleet of taxis ( new car models )
on the streets of Mumbai , but the Premier Padmini will remain as iconic as the
Gateway of India .
So when in Mumbai , try locating a Premier Padmini ( few
which still ply on the Mumbai roads) and go on a joy ride.
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