Regarding the route taxi incident that happened to Hussyband....

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Originally Posted by Craig123

...It's not reasonable to expect them to to be worldly enough to realize the possible dangers. With all due respect......GET REAL....

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Craig123,

With all due respect, I am getting VERY REAL. And thank you for proving my point. It is not reasonable to expect visitors to the island to have a complete understanding of the route taxi system and to realize the possible dangers. Which is exactly why I cannot in good conscience recommend that visitors take them when there is a system put in place, which was designed especially with them in mind, which is convenient, easy and safer to use.

By law the route taxi drivers are not allowed to discriminate, they must treat each potential fare equally, so they will stop for locals and tourists alike. No one can stop you from using them. That would be against the law.

But with cellphones being available practically for free (calls are around J$3 per minute -that is like 3 US cents per minute), and with plenty of safe, trustworthy and even JTB certified drivers phone numbers available, there is very very little, if any reason for visitors to use route taxis.

Thanks Rob. I have learned a lot from this thread. REALLY! Will in the future rely on the red plates waiting at the resorts only. To save a few bucks is not worth the chances especially since I often am under the influence of too many RS. I thought that I was "savvy" but realize that I was careless. See you in Feb......Respect

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rob

Craig123,

With all due respect, I am getting VERY REAL. And thank you for proving my point. It is not reasonable to expect visitors to the island to have a complete understanding of the route taxi system and to realize the possible dangers. Which is exactly why I cannot in good conscience recommend that visitors take them when there is a system put in place, which was designed especially with them in mind, which is convenient, easy and safer to use.

By law the route taxi drivers are not allowed to discriminate, they must treat each potential fare equally, so they will stop for locals and tourists alike. No one can stop you from using them. That would be against the law.

But with cellphones being available practically for free (calls are around J$3 per minute -that is like 3 US cents per minute), and with plenty of safe, trustworthy and even JTB certified drivers phone numbers available, there is very very little, if any reason for visitors to use route taxis.

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In my experience when I have asked establishments for a taxi, we have gotten a white plate. Specifically at Rockhouse this has happened more than once.

Rob-what is a fair amount to offer a driver from hotel on beach to cliff restaurant for a round trip for 2? And should you pay for the whole trip on the way back? Got ripped off last year going from Coco to the German Bar by a driver who advertises on this board. He accepted $15 RT. Gave him $10 when we arrived but he never came back for us. In April we just either stuck to the beach or only went to those restaurants who offered rides both ways. We of course still gave a good tip each way. I find the taxi system stressful. I do have someone in mind for our upcoming trip so just need to know a fair amount.

I can only imagine that the drivers on negril.com transportation section are going to benefit greatly from this thread.

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Originally Posted by MoFromMonroe

Rob-what is a fair amount to offer a driver from hotel on beach to cliff restaurant for a round trip for 2? And should you pay for the whole trip on the way back? Got ripped off last year going from Coco to the German Bar by a driver who advertises on this board. He accepted $15 RT. Gave him $10 when we arrived but he never came back for us. In April we just either stuck to the beach or only went to those restaurants who offered rides both ways. We of course still gave a good tip each way. I find the taxi system stressful. I do have someone in mind for our upcoming trip so just need to know a fair amount.

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In this situation, most drivers will tell you to just pay the whole thing when they pick you up. If they request money up front, tell them you will pay them in full when they return you to your hotel. That assures that they come back.

$15 RT is a fair price for an evening trip. If you're going deeper into the West End, the driver may ask for $20, but you can negotiate from there.

Don't forget that a lot of restaurants offer at least one way transport. Call ahead.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rob

there is very very little, if any reason for visitors to use route taxis.

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Yes, there is a reason. Money. Route taxis are significantly cheaper than charter taxis.

One of my favorite parts about Negril is the ability to move around. Head to the beach, cliffs, back and forth on a whim. And really, that is not possible using charter taxis. Is it worth a $20-30 round trip taxi drive to head to Jenny's for a cheap breakfast? No. But a $6 round trip route taxi? Sure. A few trips back and forth and it adds up quick.

Yes, I get Robs point. Safety is an issue. But to say route taxis are dangerous and should never be used seems to be taking it too far, imo. That, to me, is the same logic that tells the all-inclusive folks to stick behind the walls of the resort for safety reasons. I just disagree. Things happen. Life includes a bit of a risk, and using a route taxi seems like a reasonable one, even after this relatively isolated incident.

This was definitely a valuable heads-up. And reminds me to leave the wedding rings at home, and certainly take trusted taxis for anything where I may be carrying valuables. Rob is correct, the safest way to get around is to always use approved, trusted taxis. But for everyday, getting around town, I will still most likely use a route taxi.

I'm not gonna let this coward ruin MY vacation either.

Thanks MikeD. I wasn't sure if that was enough now that route taxi's raised their rates.
Dash- yes free to get there and then $20 back. It all comes out the same as paying for a R/T. A few like SeaStar and Ciao Jamaica offer R/T (at least they did in Apr) but like Kik says not it is certainly not worth $20 to go for a cheap meal at the little places.

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Originally Posted by MoFromMonroe

Thanks MikeD. I wasn't sure if that was enough now that route taxi's raised their rates.
Dash- yes free to get there and then $20 back. It all comes out the same as paying for a R/T. A few like SeaStar and Ciao Jamaica offer R/T (at least they did in Apr) but like Kik says not it is certainly not worth $20 to go for a cheap meal at the little places.

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Never paid 20$ for a return to the beach.

I'll say this again. Get a driver for the week including pickup and return to airport.

He'll give you a phone and be ready to pick you up and bring you back as long as you give him a heads up a bit ahead of time. He'll even stick around if you you're out partying late.

No nickel and dime payments.

That's how Linston does it. http://www.redplate-negril.com or 376-3652

Cost is negotiable depending on how much you need him.

We used Shane that hangs out at Kuyaba. Safe reliable young man that works hard to take care of you. I will find his number and post it.

Cap- Linston's number is the one I have. Already bought and paid for ride to and from airport with our trip thru negrilonestop and will have a phone. It would just be a ride back and forth for dinner and maybe a lunch or two. If the price is $15 R/T he's the guy I will be calling first but no guarantee how many rides we will need. Ride would be from Coco La Palm to probably the farthest LTU. We don't make long range plans while there and usually don't know where we are going to dinner until about an hour before. Oh and no partying late for us.

We had a guy from Kuyaba pick us up and he offered his services for the rest of our trip. We called him a few nights later and he came in a white plate car. We told him no. I don't remember the guys name.

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Originally Posted by MoFromMonroe

Cap- Linston's number is the one I have. Already bought and paid for ride to and from airport with our trip thru negrilonestop and will have a phone. It would just be a ride back and forth for dinner and maybe a lunch or two. If the price is $15 R/T he's the guy I will be calling first but no guarantee how many rides we will need. Ride would be from Coco La Palm to probably the farthest LTU. We don't make long range plans while there and usually don't know where we are going to dinner until about an hour before. Oh and no partying late for us.

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No problem Mo. Just call him when you need him. As season has started he's working around the project at the yard.

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Originally Posted by Rob

Craig123, With all due respect, I am getting VERY REAL.

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Reality is that route taxi operators will offer rides to tourists and tourists will use them. Right or wrong, safe or dangerous....that's the reality. There is definitely value in using one or two trusted taxi operators. I understand that, but I also know without any doubt that many tourists will be totally oblivious.

CaptainD,

Does Linston work the dinner hours, say from 5:00 to 8:30?

Georgie,

Papa G,

Yes.

Cap

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Craig123

Reality is that route taxi operators will offer rides to tourists and tourists will use them. Right or wrong, safe or dangerous....that's the reality. There is definitely value in using one or two trusted taxi operators. I understand that, but I also know without any doubt that many tourists will be totally oblivious.

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Isn't that the entire point of Rob's post. He is attempting to let people know about the different taxi services the best way he can. It's not like he can call all 2 million people that visit JA each year to let them know. And Rob is not saying that people can not use the route taxis, he is letting people know that the taxis with JTB tags are specifically meant for tourists and are the safest route to go with.

On this year's Nov/Dec trip we are changing our habits.
We used to jump into any cab night or day.
This year I'm buying a cell phone and calling only known drivers.

This thread is a wake up call.

The new route taxi price has settled at j$130 per leg.

Let's take an example of going from the beach to cliffs by a normal route taxi, and not chartering a ride. For a couple, the cost to get from the beach, lets say from the Coco La Palm area to the roundabout would be j$260 and the driver has to stop and pick up other passengers and let them off where they desire. Once at the roundabout, you now have to get out of that taxi and look for a different route taxi that will run up the West End. The cost from the roundabout to a place on the West End, lets say Jenny's would be another j$260. This makes the one way trip j$520.

To return it would be another j$520, and you have had to change taxis twice now and have been in 4 different taxis total with an unknown number of different passengers. The total cost would be j$1060, or about us$11. This is how route taxis operate and it is the cost that Jamaicans pay every single day.

You can charter that same roundtrip ride from anyone in our transportation section or on any of other numerous websites or even from the red plated driver parked outside your hotel, as has been pointed out above, for between us$15 and $20 per couple.

You do not have to change taxis, you are the only ones in that single vehicle and you are using a single driver.

Considering the cost to get the airport or parking your car in long term parking, the roundtrip airfare, the cost to get to Negril and back to the airport and the cost of your hotel while you are here, only you can make the judgement on how important that us$4 to $9 is to you and your partner's sense of well being.

Rob speaks the TRUTH....LISTEN!

For 11 bucks you get to ride in a car that's like a little bus. Only conversation you will most likely not understand.

For 20 bucks you get a driver that will converse with you and make your travel experience much nicer.

If your down for a week or two with your spouse, I get the charter business. But for long term stay folks, route taxi's are the most affordable way to travel. Respect Rob's information, digest it, and make your choice. As Kik said, we don't want the A/I mentality to set in, just because of one bad apple. I have gotten to know many route drivers over the years, and yes they do provide service to locals, but they also appreciate the shot in the arm tourists provide when busy season arrives. I've travelled Juta from the airport, and frankly most of them are full of crap, bad info about the island, giving prices to people that are far beyond the going rate(s). Never be afraid to negotiate, establish a price, and get a second opinion if needed.

Pointvillagepete,

Thank you for helping me make my point. Since the average length of stay for visitors is between 7 and 10 days according to the JTB, charter taxis are the way for them to go!

But I have no idea what the JUTA comment means... this particular union of drivers, who were born in Jamaica know their island, have taken classes and have been trained and certified by the JTB and are no more "full of crap" than the next person. And JUTA prices are posted on their website for all to see.

Rob,

Yes, they know their island, but, just because they passed a test, does not prevent them from playing the fear card. Tour folks for the most part are honorable, but I have not met anyone who wished to pay more than market for services, in foreign or Jamaica. Not all tourists have the ability to visit the Juta website to confirm a rate, to say, Mayfield Falls for instance. They rely on the integrity of the people, in this case a driver. Many good people in Jamaica, but to have it ruined by a few bad apples, the odd Juta, robot taxis or the creeps that took advantage of the board member.

Once again, negotiate, establish a price, and have a good time

Pete,

Every tourist reading your post right now has the ability to visit the JUTA website, otherwise they couldnt be reading your post... ;)

And this is good advice for them to follow. Please check out the JUTA, Maxi and Jcal prices in advance and you will already have a good idea of the going price before you even arrive. Most of the drivers in our transportation section list their prices for their excursions as well. Some include the fees for the attractions and some dont, so be sure to see what all is included.

And yes, if you know the going rate in advance, it makes any negotiations that much quicker and easier.

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Originally Posted by NiceLady

In my experience when I have asked establishments for a taxi, we have gotten a white plate. Specifically at Rockhouse this has happened more than once.

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you, your-post here, and a couple others in this thread with *similar* mention, regarding an *establishment* calling/getting/securing a taxi for you reminds me of something(s).

Me-personally,
have in the past, early-on, before i *learned* the route-taxi system, would frequently ask the *establishment*, and/or the security-person at the front-entrance to the property to *assist* me in securing a *drive* (i.e., a taxi).

*they* would go out to the roadside,
and flag-down a route-taxi for me
(with red-plates, and appropriate signage/decal on the side)

...then chat-up the driver (in-brief, to advise 'em not to screw-up)
and telling the driver where i wanted to go,
and
i'd hop in and
off we'd go.

no problems

on MANY occasions, i've seen/observed other tourist-types doing the same thing with their security-person(s) where they'd be staying. For me and others this has happened at restaurants & bars, as well.


kinda-sorta just like if I or you were to leave a hotel here in tourist-town WashingtonDC, and you go outside and the bell-hop flags down a taxi. Or when you arrive at the UnionStation train station (here), and same thing happens.... a bell-hop type person flags a taxi.

my point:::>>> there're options
always options, in Jamaica and/or Negril.

of course,
as here in good-ole'-USof/WashingtonDC,
there's the limo (aka *charter*) option

by the way,
me-personally,
have received this wonderful Jamaican-hospitality (i.e., securing a safe & legal taxi for the foreigner) not only in Negril, but in rural areas of the island.

For example,
on my last-trip,
when i went to visit my Ja-play dawta at her home, in suburban Westmoreland, she (and her mom) called a safe & legal route-taxi man to meet me, and pick-me-up at the cross-road, where I disembarked from a route-taxi from Lucea.

so,
an option/strategy *could-be* to have some somebody help ya secure a *drive* if needed.

oh
oh
oh::::>> one more route-taxi experience.

One i'll NEVER forget..!!...

this happen-ed early-on in my route-taxi adventures/sojourns --- before I knew what I KNOW now.

I wanted to go visit & check-on boardie-Crazy-Joe (aka JoeNegril) at the hospital in MoBay. As some will recall, Joe was mashed-up & laid-up from a serious motorcycle accident.

i chatted-up a Rasta-*associate* in Lucea, telling him of my desire to go visit Joe.

He gave me instructions as to how-to, and where to catch the taxi's in MoBay.

I was worried .... some fear .... lots of concern.... and told him so.

he-SAY::::>>> "..... NO..!!.., mon...!!..... no no no.... you're in Jamaica, mon ...... you're our guest .... they (i.e., the taxi-man) WILL take good care of you.... This is Jamaica ... this is how we DO things...."

he was absolutely correct-o..!!..

All taxi-men look pon me,
saw (and *heard*, from *accent*) that i was a tourist/foreigner, and MADE SURE that I got where i needed to go,,,, the driver who took me to the hospital drop-off point, introduced me to 2-female-fellow-passengers (also going to visit somebody), who in turn, grab the *baton* and guided me thru the hospital entry system/procedure (which is ANOTHER story).

opps.!!..
sorry i typed so much

Interesting thread. There has been something I've wanted to ask about on this board. Has anyone here booked a private ride from someone who advertises on this board only to be told that because of some scheduling mistake they need to wait a little bit to pick up someone else? Or had someone else with them when they pick you up at the hotel to take you to the airport? I've had this happen to my mom and dad and on another occasion to my sister inlaw both times the driver charged them for a private ride. This same person stopped halfway from the airport to pick up a friend of theirs for a ride to Green Island. I haven't used them in about 6 years nor would I recommend them. This year we will be picked up by our friendly route taxi man, who by the way is a Negril-Sav route driver.

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Originally Posted by WisconsinWoody

Isn't that the entire point of Rob's post. He is attempting to let people know about the different taxi services the best way he can. It's not like he can call all 2 million people that visit JA each year to let them know. And Rob is not saying that people can not use the route taxis, he is letting people know that the taxis with JTB tags are specifically meant for tourists and are the safest route to go with.

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I'm not attacking Rob here. Yes that's Rob's point of the post and I don't disagree with his intent. A drop in the bucket is better than a dry bucket. I personally have and will continue to use the route taxi system on occasion. Many others will also make that informed choice while many many many others are oblivious. That's all.

Respect.

One thing i want to add...we all know that wearing a seat belt can save your life-as you know many people dont wear them well driving/riding in Jam (though your suppose to).I've ridden in many route taxis allover and many of them(most) do not have seat belts and even if they did you are so jammed-pack in the car theres no way you could use it...I'm talking a avg size car type with 6-7 people in the back(sitting on peoples laps) and 4 in the front with a baby....Just something to keep in mind...

I have nothing against taking route taxis -but if the taxi looks close to full,please be considerate and let the locals get in before you-they most likely are trying to get to work or home. And follow the advice about getting into taxis thats been provided already-some really good tips...

I always think its best to have a few numbers handy of some driver that you trust and feel comfortable driving with-lots of peeps on this board can give recs...Especially if going out for late night on the town..

I'm happy that the couple were not injured physically and they really have a great attitude about dealing with it afterward....Blessings to them..

It's worth pointing out again though... I broke nearly every rule in this situation.

1.). 2 guys up front
2.). A route I did not know
3.). Up a road that was making no sense with some pretty bs (expected) stories
4.). Not being aware of my surroundings
5.) having way too much bling or perceived bling on my person

I imagine many people who are long termed here have business with the route taxis. I stay max, 2 weeks at a time, and while this has been going on for a decade and a half... I do not know the system well enough.

We've gotten a driver, and are using him. Our difference in pricing has so far been nil. I would have been better off doing a charter every day, and saving the face I have been seeing as I go to sleep each night stick a knife in my wife's face,

to cover my back-side,
let me quote (in part) from the negril.com F.A.Q., Guideline section::::>>> "....In order to ensure that Negril.com message board remains an informative space to share experiences, views and good vibes about Negril and Jamaica in general, we have established the following rules as guidelines for good conduct. ..."

hopefully,
my post(s) is(are) kosher.

that said,,,,,,,,,,,,

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Originally Posted by suzengrace

....I'm talking a avg size car type with 6-7 people in the back(sitting on peoples laps) and 4 in the front with a baby....Just something to keep in mind....

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Yep,,!!..
*that* could/does happen
on occasion

HOWEVER, in
my experiences, my observations, and my route-taxi riding,
what you described is NOT that common-place on the BeachRoad in Negril.

as i posted earlier (someplace?),
there's a law against too-many people in a taxi (i.e., as described)

On MANY occasions,
i've observed, seen, over-heard comments where driver WON'T do the jam-up thing-y in Negril, on the BeachRoad ---- for fear of getting caught and fined, etc.

In fact,
i can recall on more than a couple of occasions,
where the driver was anxious to GET OUT of Negril
(on the way to Lucea, GreenIsland, where-ever)
'cause the Negril police made a more assertive attempts/practice of fining drivers {sometimes}

Regarding seat-belt usage:::: Strange as it may seem,
the driver WILL and the passenger in the front, next to the window, with the seat belt WILL buckle-up.

the other passenger or passengerS in the front seat might not buckle up but the driver & window rider WILL.

Lately,
(i.e., when i was down there two-years ago)
on the BeachRoad, on the drive between Negril and Lucea, the drivers were refraining from piling in a lot of folks like they use-to.

Additionally,
2-years ago,
there were more and more regular cars being used as route-taxis ---- NOT as many of those hatch-back cars as in the pass. In fact, there was a LARGE influx of mini-vans being used as route taxis, as i mentioned in one of my old-old trip reports from 2-years ago.

anyhooooooooooo,
regarding the hatch-back mention ----- there was a time, when FREQUENTLY *they* would put passengers in the trunk/hatch-back area. But on my last few trips, that practice was becoming a no-no, not-done anymore, except under *special* occasions, circumstances, and for short distances.

Now,
with all that said,
in the rural areas
ALL bets are off that any of what i typed (above) is valid.

i have alot of respect for you husyyband-in telling your story and being so honest and humble about it....Life is all about learning,and no doubt many people on this board learned a lot from you sharing a horrible experience....I also really admire your ability to go on with your vacation (and life) and not let it be ruined by this horrible ordeal-I can imagine some people would be wanting to get on the first plane out of MBJ and never come back -much respect to you and your wife....

Good point Smith744...I dont travel to negril too much anymore-so wasnt aware the beach road drivers being so considerate in following the laws...Thats good to know..

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Originally Posted by Hussyband

It's worth pointing out again though... I broke nearly every rule in this situation.,

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NO you did NOT..!!...

*THEY* '..broke..' the rule(s)..!!..

..dem criminals ... bandits .... pure-evil...

do NOT worry ya-selves

Etana, one of my favorite singers, has a song about '..retribution..'
...trus me ---- retribution WILL come *their* way

enjoy enjoy enjooooooooooooooy ya trip

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Originally Posted by suzengrace

...beach road drivers being $o con$iderate in following the law$...

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lol
lol
lol
i like that euphomism:::>>> con$iderate
lol
lol

i've sat-in at Ja-traffic court
lol
lol
lol
it AIN'T pretty
lol
lol
lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by suzengrace

Good point Smith744...I dont travel to negril too much anymore-so wasnt aware the beach road drivers being so considerate in following the laws...Thats good to know..

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you reminded me of one-more something::::::::

on that WestEnd (the best-end {{as i'm/we're frequently reminded}}) taxi-route, things can-go a likkle-likkle *different* sometimes, under some situations, at certain times, depending on circumstances, how dark it is, etc etc.

'cause parts of that road are more *residential* in nature than the BeachRoad, every-now-&-then you *might* see a slightly-slightly border-ing on almost illegal capacity.

*whew*
i hope i typed/said that properly
*whew*

gotta be careful

smith-your the best....:)

So helpful to read the info about taxis marked for routes outside of the local area. Although I haven't had rides in any, I have seen such vehicles in Negril. They caught my attention but at the time I couldn't put my finger on it. Now that this incident has happened I understand what my brain was trying to tell me: this is something I haven't learned about and take notice not to venture where I do not know.

On the topic of charters: there is a (red plate JTB) charter van driver by ValueMaster I have used many times to carry me back after I have completed my errands in town. Recently I wasn't feeling up to par so I had him pick me up and wait while I shopped at each location. I was amazed how much faster, easier and less-tiring it was to get through my list, which more than made up for the reasonable (but additional to my budget) cost.

I know it can get to feeling expensive for 1-2 people to use a charter driver but as has been noted earlier in this thread, what you 'save' in personal wear-and-tear really is worth it.