The top-level domain (TLD) .TAXI is a generic suffix in the Domain Name System (DNS) of the Internet used by businesses, organizations, and individuals involved in the transportation service sector, particularly taxi services. As the name implies, it is specifically targeted towards taxi drivers, companies, and any services related to taxis. Its main purpose is to create a dedicated online space where web users can find taxi services with ease and convenience.
Source: Top Level Domains, Techopedia; Taxi, ICANNWiki.
The .TAXI TLD is managed by Donuts Inc., a company that specializes in creating and managing Internet domains. The .TAXI domain was released to the public in 2015, as part of an expansion in the number of TLDs offered on the Internet. It is one of hundreds of new gTLDs that were launched after a decision by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to expand the range of domain endings.
Source: Donuts Inc. LinkedIn, Taxi, ICANNWiki.
The .TAXI domain is beneficial in distinguishing your service from others in a crowded Internet space, promoting your brand, and customizing your online presence. For example, using a URL like www.mycity.taxi is more descriptive and intuitive for customers rather than using a more generic top-level domain such as .com or .net. It could help taxi businesses improve their online visibility and create a memorable, impactful web address.
Source: Taxi, Donuts Domains.
Let’s cite the examples of BlackCabs.taxi and YellowCabNYC.taxi, both using the .TAXI TLD to provide their services online. Not only does the .TAXI extension give a clear sign of what the business offers immediately, but it also strengthens their brand by showcasing its specialisation right there in the URL.
Source: Black Cabs: Home, Yellow Cab NYC.
In terms of registration, registrars like Name.com, GoDaddy, and others offer .TAXI domains. One can register the domain name they choose, provided the name hasn’t been previously registered or isn’t restricted.
Source: .TAXI domain at Name.com, GoDaddy.
Despite its obvious benefits, the .TAXI TLD may not be as popular as .com or .net due to its specialization. It’s worth noting, however, that the rise of gTLDs like .TAXI offers greater opportunities for brands and services to tailor their online presence in ways that differentiate their offerings and align more closely with their business specificity.
Source: Domain Name Stat, QUANTIFY.
In conclusion, the .TAXI TLD is an effective tool for taxi services to enhance their online branding, visibility, and memorable presence. In an era where digital search often precedes linking customers with their desired services, having a specialized TLD like .TAXI can significantly improve a service’s appeal to Internet users.
