Legal Transport Providers in Colombia

In Colombia and indeed most of South America, there are voluminous yellow taxis in urban areas and to a much lesser extent in the rural countryside. These yellow taxis are mostly hailed in the street or called to meet a ride at an agreed point and not usually long distance.

White taxis on the other hand serve a more specific purpose and are generally known in Colombia as Serviceo Especial (Special Service) vehicles. They tend to serve a more upmarket segment which would include private hire, tourism and business transportation among others.

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Why Are There White Taxis in Colombia?

White taxis, introduced in the early 2000s, aimed to improve private transportation separate from yellow public taxis. This move was part of efforts by the Ministry of Transport and local authorities to diversify and regulate transportation options. As Colombia’s tourism industry grew and urban areas developed, there was a greater demand for better quality, private transportation services.

Thus this led to the creation of white taxis. White taxis provide a professional, pre-arranged service for events, corporate needs, airport transfers, and guided tours, focusing on comfort, safety, and reliability. The white colour helps to distinguish them from the standard yellow taxis.

Markings and Licensing

White taxis have specific markings and indicators to highlight their special service category:

License plates: White taxis have white license plates with a black colour border, as against yellow plates for regular taxis.
These plates indicate authorization for special transportation services.
Not all vehicles, however, have a white number plate. In these cases, the vehicle must have the word “Tourism” clearly marked on it, along with operator details.
Company name or logo: The name of the company or co-operative with whom they associate has to be clearly displayed on the vehicle, usually on the side doors.
Registration numbers: Each vehicle is also assigned a unique registration number, which is displayed on the vehicle’s exterior and oftentimes on the roof too.

The licensing of white taxis is regulated by the Ministry of Transport. This ensures that they adhere to specific standards and requirements of service. Licensing as a business and commercial driver allows them to offer private transport services with insured, qualified drivers and well-maintained vehicles. By the same token, yellow taxis, which operate under a different, more relaxed set of regulations, do not have to meet this higher standard to operate.

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Difference between Regular Yellow and White Taxis

Service Type: Yellow taxis are mostly for general public use and can be hailed on the street. They are usually engaged for shorter, more immediate local
White taxis mostly serve pre-scheduled services like hotel transfers, tourist trips, airport runs, and corporate transportation.
Comfort and Standards: White taxis typically offer a more premium and comfortable experience compared to regular yellow taxis.
The vehicles must be newer models, well-maintained, clean, and spacious.
Pricing: The fare structure between the two is markedly
White taxis usually operate on a pre-agreed fee with the fare being somewhat higher than those of yellow taxis, reflecting the higher standard of the private service and more refined atmosphere.
Operational Areas: Yellow taxis are commonly found cruising along city streets and can be hailed in real-time, while white taxis are usually grouped near airports, hotels and business districts.
You can book them by calling their office, which will dispatch them to your location.

Types of Vehicles Used

White taxis in Colombia are often larger, premium vehicles or sedans, offering more comfort and space compared to the smaller, more compact cars typically used as yellow taxis.
Commonly used brands and models include:

Renault Duster
Chevrolet Captiva
Kia Sportage
Nissan
Hyundai

Toyota Prado (for more luxury and high-end services) and Mercedes blindador (bullet proof).

While Renault is a very popular car brand in Colombia, it is not the exclusive choice for white taxis. The selection of vehicles depends on the service provider and the market segment they are targeting.
Companies offering VIP services and those catering to tourists tend to use higher-end vehicles.

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Where to Find White Taxis

White taxis are generally not hailed on the street, rather they are pre-arranged and often found in:

Airports: Particularly for business travellers and tourists.
Hotels: They provide transfers for guests and usually work closely with hotel management.
Corporate Areas: White taxis are commonly used by companies for transporting employees or clients.
Tourist Destinations: For planned tours, sightseeing and longer trips.

Other Interesting Facts

Tourism Services: White taxis are often used for guided tours, especially in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and other places popular with tourists.
They are preferred for comfort with air conditioning and professionalism.
Insurance and Security: White taxis are always better insured and their drivers are certainly more rigorously vetted.
This makes them a safer option for all and especially business travellers and tourists.
Not Metered: Unlike yellow taxis, which use meters, white taxis typically work on a fixed-rate system, which can be more reliable for longer trips or corporate use.
Luxury Segment: Some white taxis cater to the luxury market, offering high-end sedans and SUVs with services like Wi-Fi, refreshments, and chauffeurs.

In summary, white taxis in Colombia provide a more private, secure and professional transportation option compared to the widely used yellow taxis. These services tailor to specific needs, like business travel and tourism, and offer more reliability and comfort.

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