Taxi Rates

A lot of good points made here, thanks to Smith for the videos. Rocky is a fine driver, and is genuine as the day is long.

I have travelled route for many years, and when the small talk starts in the cars, most say slow time of year, not too many tourists, they could mean less people working, but I don't think so.

Maybe that tourist getting in a route to fill the car, merely means the alleged lady/man/local will be getting home quicker because tourist is traveling.

With all that being said there is no need to defend the system, for what it is, or isn't. Furthermore, no need to re invent the wheel either

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Originally Posted by Kevin, PA

I'm a little confused by this? The problem with the free market approach to taxi rides is that the uneducated consumer likely doesn't know what the fair market value of ride is creating an environment of confusion and suspicion that is ripe for the exploitation of some. This is not nessarrily good for business. You're suggestion is to use what is essentially a metered regulated service for better rates. If you're a free market guy then why are you suggesting someone uses the more regulated route taxi system? Also, the gypsy cabs in NYC have nothing to do with the meters and everything to do with the higher overhead costs associated with operating a legal licensed cab. Gypsy cabs in NYC are the equivalent to white plate "taxis" which exists in large numbers in Negril absent any metered cabs. I would'nt suggest a tourist use a gypsy cab in NYC anymore then a white plate in Negril.

It seems to me there is a market for all of the services being discussed. Route taxi's as the cheap public transportation option. Metered cabs for short private transport and chartered rides to meet all other needs. This way the metered service is setting the fair market value rather then the public transportation option as is the case today. All 3 services can still be offered by one driver. If you ask for local fare then you're going to get dropped off at the end of the route if you didn't get off sooner. If you ask for a metered ride you're going to pay the metered fare when you reach your destination. Maybe you want to make a few stops with signifigant idle time etc. In this case you negotiate a chartered ride which would likely be cheaper then paying for metered idle time and/or easier then catching a new cab after each stop to shop, bank, eat or whatever.

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I use the fixed price route taxi system because it is FAR more economical than a charter taxi! That's just smart business, something that a free marketer knows something about..My free market approach applies to things with variable rates/pricing. Don't laugh, but I don't pay retail. Ever. Even department stores have wiggle room when it comes to clothing. You just have to ask. If you don't ask, you can't win! Example:we wanted a room at a fancy hotel in STL for a wine event. We called the front desk direct and negotiated a rate that was almost one third of the rack rate. Then when we checked in, we made nice with the front desk guy and negotiated an upgrade to a one bedroom suite, free wifi and free valet parking. You see, they had plenty of supply, but no demand, so giving me the upgrades cost them little to nothing, but created a loyal guest who will talk them up to anyone that will listen.

The free market approach to goods and services is quite simple...the price will be set at that intersection of supply and demand....a charter taxi will likely shoot you an initial price that is ten times or more higher than a route taxi....if you know what the route taxi price is for your trip, you have all the info you need to negotiate....start with twice the route price and work your way up to where that intersection is...For me, its different. I know what the route fares are and I have a good idea of what the charter rates are. If I need a charter taxi, I am prepared to negotiate and walk away if the price isn't right...there's plenty of charter taxis in Negril.

My comment about the meter was meant to show that it isn't such a good idea in Negril, and really doesn't benefit the consumer. And, being from Manhattan(via Brighton Beach), I will take a gypsy cab if the ride is more than thirty blocks or is off the island. Been doing it for 30 years...and YES it IS about the meter, or more precisely, the lack of one, the makes the gypsy cab a goer for me. That and try to find a cabbie in Manhattan that will take you to Brighton Beach at 2am! YMMV.

All this said, the system works fine in Negril. The route taxis are plentiful during the daytime and dirt cheap. Charter taxis are available for different rides. Also, you can rent a charter taxi by the hour if you want to go bar hopping! Nice to have your driver right there with you!

. If you don't like the rate, use a route taxi, or don't whine about the fare!

I agree Rock robster..I live out in the cockpit country and take route taxis allover-I cant afford a charter everywhere I go nor do I have a car..Of course i have chartered cabs for certain occasions and will cont.. and using meters in Taxis in Jam??? No way-I could just see the corruption starting with that one(ie fixing the meteres, etc-to gain moneatary advantage) My comment about set rates for charters was just a suggestion- Since it seems many new tourists our confused by the system or have just plain been ripped out..It was something I was suggesting to those who are charter- only -for- tourists advocates... Which am not one those. I think the current system is fine..

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Originally Posted by RockRobster

All this said, the system works fine in Negril.

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I agree that the system works fine. I was able to get to where I needed to go just fine. How it could work better is up for debate. You and many others are approaching it from a different prospective then the first time or very casual traveler who doesn't want to taking a cab seem more like dealing with a used car salesman.

Lets just agree it works fine as is and leave it at that.

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Originally Posted by RockRobster

The route taxis are plentiful during the daytime and dirt cheap.

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If you live in Jamaica like, suzengrace, who can't afford an automobile, can't afford a private charter, then (of course), a route taxi is available for her. Whether it be red or white plate.

If your a foreigner, who, cannot afford to rent an automobile during your vacation, cannot afford a charter taxi, then (of course), a route taxi is the only way to go. Again, whether it be red or white plate, "the system works in the favor of both"!

Just keep in mind that locals know the drivers well as they travel during the day to get to work, and travel late into the night. When a red plate is full, or is not going as far as the desired destination, then the risk is taken in a white plate with no passenger insurance. Keep in mind the reason why "white" uninsured plates are on the road conducting illegal taxi services. It's because the people are desperate to put a roof over their heads, food on their tables, and need affordable transportation. White plates are used by foreigners constantly and the risk is usually "unbeknownst" to them. SO, the "system DOES NOT WORK" in everyone's favor. Death with no coverage occurs all the time.

Yes, every bit helps if foreigners take route taxis. All we are saying is as long as foreigner's understand "the system", whether it be red or white plate taxis, just don't use them because they are "dirt cheap".

Just give a little more than the "dirt cheap" rate if you have it. No discrimination or "heated argument" here please. Jamaica is a beautiful place to vacation and the whole economy is based on tourism. It's Jamaica's bread and butter.

Best regards to all.

I have seen a passenger in a route taxi pay with 100 in phone credit. She didn't have the cash but sent the driver 100 in credit from her phone to his.

When at home I don't live a fivestar lifestyle, so when i visit another country, i try and be myself. I actuallyfeel more comfortable and relaxed living amongst regular people, negril style versus an AI. I feel out of sorts if someone is all yes sir, and trying to pamper me. A white plate taxi is akin to our under ground economy we have at home, no prob mon. By stetching my dollar in negril, by where i chose to eat, drink, and how i ride, i get to stretch the amount of time i can spend in negril. That is a risk i am willing to take. it's a winwin situation. instead of payng all my money to a travell agent, over a 7day period, i spread those same dollars over a 2-3 week span and put them directly in the hands of people who work in Negril. And its no different than at home, i look for cash deals at home, no reciept not just to save money but to help out the many here that have lost the good jobs that have disappeared. kinda feels the same way to me when I grab a white plate from the Hi-lo and the driver tells me, i'm his first fare of the day, and he's only been here acouple of hours. White plate, route taxi, no prob mon. Cheers!!!

Using an illegal taxi is not sound advice. Should an accident occur, anyone hurt will be looking for compensation. As a passenger you would have no compensation. Also, as an active participant in an illegal activity - you now become liable for any damages that others might suffer. If you do not have the cash in hand, you can end up in jail until a court date - which could literally be months off depending on the damages.

There is simply no reason to ever use an illegal white plate "taxi". Canuk Cpl - please think about the dynamics in that "first fare of the day" story - would you be as likely to tip if he said he had been busy all day? Trust me - there is no taxi in the world that makes money sitting idle for a couple hours waiting for a fare. Even the worst taxi driver in the world knows that...

I here ya Rob, we all take risks try driving the speed limit down the 401. Busiest highway in north america, much riskier than grabbing a white plate in negril, and most of us have no choice. In Negril i have a choice, and have no prob with that. I tip based on service only, again my chose. I never was much of one for rules, just ask my mom. Cheers!!!

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Originally Posted by Rob

Also, as an active participant in an illegal activity - you now become liable for any damages that others might suffer. If you do not have the cash in hand, you can end up in jail until a court date - which could literally be months off depending on the damages.

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Held liable for a 3rd party's neglegance. Certainly not the case in the US or Canadian courts but remember this is Jamaica so all bets are off. I assume Rob knows what he's talking about. Any Jamaican Lawyers lurking on this subject?