hackneys

Hackneys are vehicles for hire that historically referred to horse-drawn carriages and the horses that drew them. The term originates from London, where hackney coaches began operating in the 17th century as a public transport service. In many places, the name later extended to the licensed taxis known as hackney carriages, distinguishing them from private hire vehicles which must be booked in advance.

Hackney horses were a well-known breed or type used to pull these carriages in Britain and beyond. They were prized for endurance and a high-stepping gait. As motor vehicles replaced horses, horse-drawn hackneys declined, though some decorative or ceremonial teams survive, and the term remains in use for motorized taxis in many jurisdictions.

Modern hackneys usually refer to licensed taxis capable of being hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks. In the UK, a hackney carriage license is issued by local authorities; in London, Transport for London regulates the fleet. Hackney carriages in London run on meters and may operate from ranks; private hire vehicles require pre-booking and use pre-determined fares or meters as dictated by regulation.

Although the term has become somewhat generic for public-hire taxis, licensing practices vary by country and city. The concept persists in transportation history and in the continued existence of heritage teams and ceremonial carriages in some cities.