O'Canada

Well, actually, it’s arguably not that simple! Irish people are far more likely to say taxi than cab, but we’ve heard Canadians use the two terms interchangeably. And there is the word taxicab, though really does anyone ever say that nowadays?

For what it’s worth, the authors have noticed some differences in how taxis work in Ireland versus Canada. In Ireland the signage you’ll see atop taxis, is pretty well uniform – the word “taxi” appears. Individual taxi companies are not identified. In Canada, the taxi company is clearly identified, shown below – a Beck cab.

Also in Canada, it’s pretty unthinkable for a passenger to get in the front seat of a taxi (unless there are so many passengers that it cannot be avoided), while in Ireland that happens quite frequently, even when there is just one passenger. So what’s that all about anyway? :-)

And Irish taxi drivers tend to be chatty, often initiating a dialogue with passenger(s). In Toronto, at least, this isn’t as common. This could be good or bad depending on what you like, of course!

Taxi in Dublin.

Taxi in Toronto