Taxi Rates

Rob, yes I understand it is my fault if I took a "fleecing" from charter taxis. However, to my defense, I am not so good at bargaining for services. I am constantly worried about insulting someone over low-balling. You hear this all time time when it comes to home or car buying (if you offer too low of a price, you'll insult them and they won't deal with you). So when I ask the price and they tell me, I assume (wrongly?) that there is no wiggle room. It wasn't until after a couple of trips that I realized that bargaining is an acceptable practice. Although I maintain that the prices the charter taxis 'charge' (their first offer?) are still some of the highest I've paid anywhere. I would also classify it as a fleecing no matter where I was, whether NOLA, NYC, etc.

Also, I am not so gullible as to agree to anything or get into a cab without first coming to terms on price. That wasn't really my issue.

[QUOTE=Rob;33239]To clarify a few points...

ROB - I get what you are saying about tips in Route Taxis - BUT, I tip on Holidays, or if a drive makes some special accomodation for me - not excessively, just to be courteous.

Also, it was my understanding - and I have seen this in other countries besides Jamaica - that the route system more or less started informally and then as it grew, became REGULATED by the Government. I am certain that there was some informal system before the Taxi Associations were formed. And the guys often wait at one end or the other to "fill up" before moving on. That has been my experience at the Round A bout,at Wharf Road in Orange Bay and at the depot in Lucea.

"And finally, living here we do have a different take on the route taxi. Since we operate a vehicle here, we both feel a bit uncomfortable when we have to take a route taxi and pay the operator that very low rate for their service. We know the cost of operating a vehicle, the route taxi rate seems incredibly low. But once again, the route taxi system was designed to provide affordable transportation for the local population so the rate needs to be low otherwise no one could afford it. "

I understand your thoughts on the low rate vs the cost of gasoline, but believe me it works out. That's why the fares were increased. When I drove livery cab, we used to make money as long as we booked a certain amount per mile. It was feast or famine but if you know how to hustle, there is money to be made. I especially loved the train stop runs where we had a route picking up at the subway, 5 fares to a car, and dropping off in the neighborhood. It was only $1 per person but those short trips really add up. Same thing as in JA. On a good day, driver can collect >100 fares and spend less than $3000 in gas. Plus, a lot of them seem to always have a side job doing private gigs as well. They can make a living.

Having just returned from my first trip I must say the taxi system was the most confusing part of the trip. We were almost always asked if we needed a taxi whenever leaving any establishment. Several times we were laughed at when we requested a red plate which was often followed by "you're in Jamaica mon...it don't matter?" One time when we prearranged free pickup and drop off we were picked up in a red plate but was given a white plate ride home. A guest at our hotel also recommended the driver he has used for years who also didn't have a red plate. To make things even more confusing, the difference in fare we were being offered for white plate vs. what we ended up paying for a red plate was fairly significant. We really started to question the importance of taking a red plate in every case.

The first time we took a taxi we wanted a "chartered" ride so I just asked how much to take us to the nearest cambio and back. The driver was not interested in negotiating in any way until we got in. I was pleasantly surprised at what the driver's requested rate was once we were done with our trip and even threw in a tip. It was pretty much the same case when we took a cab to the beach from our hotel on the cliffs, with a stop in between, so we started getting comfortable just hopping in. On our return ride from the beach, also with a stop in between, we were asked to pay much more then any of the other rides. Even so the rate was cheaper then I've paid in the states for a similar ride.

The one thing we realized after a few trips around town is that things are much more closer then we expected and during future trips we will certainly get to many more places that we missed out on this time by walking. We probably would have went to more places this trip if the taxi system was more predictable but the cabs in Vegas are predictable and it cost me $20 to go to a casino that I could see but didn't want to cross the Vegas strip in my condition.

Speaking of casinos, the whole route taxi deal reminds me of the jitney system in Atlantic City, NJ. Most tourists in Atlantic City either walk or take cabs to get around. However, those who want a cheap ride can hop a jiney which is a small bus that runs routes to nearby casinos for around a $1. It's primarily used by the many hotel and casino workers but is also used by tourists "in the know" as a cheap alternative to cabs.

In my opinion if your on such a tight budget that you have to worry about the cost of an occasional cab ride then maybe you should rethink your travel plans. On the other hand I wouldn't begrudge anyone using the cheaper ride if it works for them. I guess what I'm saying is "don't worry about it mon......your in Jamaica!"

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Originally Posted by Kevin, PA

In my opinion if your on such a tight budget that you have to worry about the cost of an occasional cab ride then maybe you should rethink your travel plans. On the other hand I wouldn't begrudge anyone using the cheaper ride if it works for them. I guess what I'm saying is "don't worry about it mon......your in Jamaica!"

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I don't know what you consider a tight budget but if I can come down a few times a year, and stay for about 10 days at a time, it would behoove me to at least consider my daily transportation costs. PEACE.

http://www.iberostar.info/ticker/ima...tage in Negril

And on a lighter note. Me and a buddy of mine walked out of our hotel with golf clubs in tote and almost caused a major pile up cabbies locked up brakes on both sides of the road. Very comical!!!!

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Originally Posted by Bnewb

Fact...
The route taxi system was not designed with the tourist in mind.
Fact...
The going rates are set based on the typical wage for the local workers. The typical wage being less the $60.00us per week.
Fact...
In order to serve the growing tourism trade JUTA was created to specifically serve the travelers visiting the island. "The JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travelers Association) - Negril Chapter was formed in the early 1960's and was founded with 50 original members. JUTA was formed because of a need to provide tour and taxi movement in and around Negril as well as from International Airports and all tourist attractions and locations throughout Jamaica."

In summation...
The route taxi system was created to serve the local population...while there won't be any reason visitors to the island are not allowed to use the route taxi system...it is a misconception for anyone to think it was created for visitors & local population alike...that was never the intention.

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BnewB - Thank you! Exactly what we were trying to convey.

Although the route taxi's were originally designed for local residents transportation needs, there is no effort to restrict other paying passengers. Without such restrictions, their original intent is a moot point. The unknowing Joe tourist doesn't care. He simply uses a service that's being offered.

Wow... How did this become such a heated topic? Look... a bus ride on the CTA is $2.25 and you can go all the way from 95th Street to Bryn Mawr (about 20miles). A bus ride on the MARTA is $2.50, $1.75 on the MTC, $2.25 in NYC and $2.10 on BART. Conversly... a route taxi ride from Rick's to Marghritaville is $200J or about $2.30USD. Looking at it this way, the whole argument about meeting local residents transportation needs it wrong. There really is no discount for to the local wage. If there was, the route taxi rate should be closer to $20J. Maybe it's not fair to compare Taxi's and buses, but with multiple stops to pick up and drop off passengers, a route taxi operates more as a bus than a taxi. Gas usage is about the same, and just like in a route taxi, you can sometimes be the only one in a bus that would seat 100.

Next week... I will be taking route taxis and paying the going rate of $100J per segment AND... I will not feel guilty about it.

good for you, Russ and others who choose to take route taxis
Whenever this topic comes up ...so does this heated argument...ANYONE can take route taxis ...the drivers will agree ! Never seen a discuss like this any other part of the Isand !
When yu wish to take a private taxi,,,there are there for the taking ..
Its like saying the local cook shops or supermarkets were set up for locals only and tourists should stick to ALL Inclusives for their meals ... Rubbish!!

I've never had a problem with any route taxis( the driver-other passengers)-I've taken them all over the island-On many days I'd have to do the whole Negril to Sav to the Mobay parking lot (very colorful place) then on to Falmouth and from there another one up to Wakefield-this is all in one day round trips..It would have costs me a fortune to hire private charter and some of us dont have the luxury of extra cash or owning vehicle...

I've never heard locals or other business owners as well as ex-pats in other areas of Jam that I've frequented (Mobay, Trelawny,Port antonio,Ochi,Kingston)ever complain about tourists using route taxis-and why they shouldn't ,etc, etc....Seems to only become a heated topic when brought up in regards to the Negril area..(IMHO)