I was going back to Xtabi from HiLo. So, are there only certain spots to get a "route taxi" or all spots up for negotiation. This seemed a bit odd to me, so I need the dope on this for the next reach.
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I was going back to Xtabi from HiLo. So, are there only certain spots to get a "route taxi" or all spots up for negotiation. This seemed a bit odd to me, so I need the dope on this for the next reach.
"at" the HiLo is not (technically) the spot to pick up a route taxi. If you want to go the one route from town to cliffs, you would walk out to the road, or to the bus park/taxi stand and pick up the taxi there.
but if you're 'at' the HiLo, you're inbetween routes - (granted it's a very short piece and some drivers will ignore that.... but some will go by the strict definitions of the routes) - going up to the cliffs, is an additional route.
From Hi-Lo to Xtabi is on the regular cliff route/road, so no need to negotiate. These days I think it's 100J per person, but you need to know what the charge is before you get in. When you want a route ride, you don't ask questions, just hand the driver 200J and get out. One thing I've noticed over the years is that, when you start talking (negotiating, etc.) drivers often feel free to charge you differently than they would someone who lives local. I've had drivers charge me more, and when I refuse to pay, they say they assumed I wasn't taking them as a route but as a charter simply because I'm a tourist.
If I'm taking a regular route, such at that from Hi-Lo to Xtabi, I just put my finger up, get in, and tell them when to stop. No negotiation necessary. If I want to ask for something extra, like that they not pick up anyone else or that they take me from cliffs to beach without stopping in the middle, then I establish the fare before they take off. Remember also that having them turn off the main cliff road means you are no longer on the route and will probably be charged extra unless you make other arrangements beforehand. So even the short ride from the main road to SeaStar, for example, costs extra for the taxi to go up the lane.
Wow, I had no idea! I never pay more than the price for one route to go from Hi-Lo to Catcha. I've never been asked to pay more, but good to know! I thought the cliff route began well before Hi-Lo. I guess you learn something every day!Quote:
Originally Posted by MissBlue
I guess I should ask, what exactly are the "routes" in Negril? In all the years I've gone, I've considered the beach road down to the bridge to be the beach route, and everything to the right of the roundabout (and to the left down to the taxi park) to be the cliff route. That's how I've been charged for route taxis. Can someone tell me where I'm going wrong?
my understanding is anything 'downtown' (technically speaking although not always enforced) goes from the taxi stand, whether going to beach or to cliffs - i was told 'at' the HiLo is off the route, even though it's only a very short piece 'off' - kinda like the pieca road from the west end road up the lane to Seastar. i may be misunderstanding that, 'if' the HiLo is considered to be "on" the cliffs route - but that's what i was told years ago, and i've always gone by it. And it does seem to be that way any time one tries to get in the taxi right 'at' the HiLo, so i've always thought it was right ..... but if i have that wrong i'm sure someone will come in and correct me - :)
MissBlue, that sounds right, I told the driver it's 100J each and he said, no, no, it's 200J. But, hey, its alla time learnin'. So, if I'd just walked out to the Cliff road and caught a taxi on the side of the road, I'd be on route and okay?
Thanks for the help on this. Do you then further tip the driver?
Yeah if you had been on the road, route rates apply.. in the parking lot is a charter.. tipping is appreciated but not expectedQuote:
Originally Posted by bjritz
- yepper. but heck, imho it's worth the extra route fare for the convenience of not having to walk a block or two with heavy stuff.Quote:
if I'd just walked out to the Cliff road and caught a taxi on the side of the road, I'd be on route and okay?
i don't tip like i would for a private ride, but i usually just hand over the bills and not wait for change. this was much easier when the route fare was 70 or 80 $J, lol... now i would probably just hand over 150 $J -- which is of course still extremely reasonable....
Hail a Cab!!