A hackney carriage or more commonly reffered to as a London Taxi is a common sight on the streets of London. The origin of the name is uncertain but is likely in relation to the connection it has to horses and carriages, the primary mode of public transportation before motorization. In New York City, the terms 'hack' (taxi), 'hackstand' (taxi stand) and 'hack license' (taxi license) are likely derived from hackney carriage. <br/> A lone taxi waits for the light at an intersection along The Mall. The ground wet after a recent cloudburst. In the background, the gilded bronze statue, "Winged Victory" of Victoria Memorial radiates in the late afternoon light.