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

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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.

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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.