The need for taxis in Malta was felt at around 1885. In 1907 the word 'taxi' was first heard. Later vehicles with convertible rooftops which were more suitable for the Maltese summer were introduced. These vehicles had the engine which was similar to that of a motorcycle with a lever used for maneuvering instead of the traditional steering wheel. During the period from 1935 to 1939, the Maltese roads witnessed for some new models which were being used as Taxis for the first time; the FIAT Ardita (in both its normal and sedan version) as well as a number of American vehicles. These vehicles were recognizable through a special number plate which consisted of white numbers on a black background followed by a red full stop which distinguished taxis from normal cars. As time passed, the number of horses used for transportation reasons decreased drastically. Interestingly enough, one of the main reasons why Malta lacked a good number of Taxis before this period was due to the fact that since at that time Malta was still used as a base by the British navy most passengers were drunken sailors. This was quite intimidating for anyone wanting to work as a Taxi driver. The lack of lights on the roads was another major factor. As time passed by, the level of the service offered got better and better. This had also been obtained thanks to some persons that used to go abroad regularly to observe how the service was offered over there. Discussions with the Police Traffic Department followed in order to implement the necessary improvements.
1997 saw the establishment of the Taxi Licensed White Amalgamated (TLWA). One of the first discussions of TLWA with the local authorities led to the installation of a booth at the Arrivals of the Malta International Airport which would be open 24 hours a day. The principal aim of this booth, apart from offering a service to tourists arriving at the airport was that of having fixed prices to any location on the island as well as serving as an information point. A second booth was also installed at the cruise liner terminal with the only difference that this booth would be open only when necessary. TLWA has lately proposed a similar booth at the City Gate in Valletta which would operate between 10am and 10pm hence improving the level of service offered. Apart from this booth, TLWA has also proposed two other booths, the first in Bugibba and a second in St. TLWA is also planning to offer its services through a central office and a number of computerized systems using the latest technology and which will allow pre-booking of taxis. A shift based system applicable to all members of TLWA will be used to cater for any requests from clients requiring taxi service. Apart from fixed rates for services offered through Taxi booths, meters have been installed in all vehicles and are being used for all internal journeys. In 2015 we replace our name to Malta Taxi Licences Association (MTLA).
