Behold, the Monumento al Taxista stands before us. Inaugurated in 2012 this monument pays tribute to Buenos Aires’ taxi drivers. It honors the thousands of men and women who provide an important public transportation service.
The Monumento al Taxista is in Puerto Madero. Find it specifically in the square of the Avenue of the Italians and Macacha Guemes. The location is a fitting tribute to these everyday heroes.
Created by artist Fernando Pugliese the sculpture looks like bronze. But it is actually made of a special synthetic polymer. This material is commonly used in shipbuilding. It is made to withstand weather and can receive a patina that makes it look like bronze.
The monument depicts a bald mustachioed taxi driver. He casually leans on a classic 1967 Siam Di Tella car. The Siam Di Tella was an Argentinian car manufactured in Argentina. It was a popular taxi choice in the 1960s and 70s.
Buenos Aires has a long history with taxis. The official taxi service started in 1902. For many years taxis could be any color. They were identified by a clock with the word “free”. The word was printed in white letters on a red background.
In 1967 a rule was introduced. Taxis had to be painted yellow and black. Today nearly 40000 yellow-roofed taxis operate in Buenos Aires. They provide employment to about 70000 drivers and families.
The Sindicato de Peones de Taxis commissioned the Monumento al Taxista. They donated it to the city. Local legislators approved both the work and its placement.
The statue shows the driver holding a rectangular leather wallet. It was a classic accessory for taxi drivers. These wallets are now often made of plastic.
The Siam Di Tella was chosen as the car model for a special reason. It is likely due to the popularity of “Rolando Rivas taxista”. This was a popular TV show. The main character drove a Siam Di Tella.
Other cars were also common as taxis. These included the Chevrolet 1951. There were also Mercedes Benz 170 and 180 models. The Peugeot 404 and 504 along with the Ford Falcon were used. The Siam Di Tella was famous for its low maintenance costs. Its simple mechanics were also great. Many of these cars surpassed half a million kilometers. This was due to careful repairs and engine work.
The term “tachero” is sometimes used for taxi drivers. Some believe it comes from Maurice Tachon’s name. He was a clock maker. Others say the old clocks looked like “tachos” or buckets. Drivers prefer to be called “taxistas”. The term “tachero” is sometimes used for drivers who perform poorly.
This monument is not the only one in Puerto Madero. There is also a monument to tango. It is symbolized by a large bandoneon made of stainless steel. It weighs two tons and measures three and a half meters. It stands on a pedestal almost two meters high.
So as you explore Buenos Aires remember the Monumento al Taxista. It is a tribute to those who keep this city moving. The monument honors their hard work and dedication to the city.