In case anyone is looking for rates, here are the latest rate sheets from the Transportation Authority:
http://www.ta.org.jm/content/route-taxi-fares
~Moose
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In case anyone is looking for rates, here are the latest rate sheets from the Transportation Authority:
http://www.ta.org.jm/content/route-taxi-fares
~Moose
We've had that list floating around negril.com since it first came out...unfortunately it's quite confusing.
Essentially...beach road to dowtown Negril (the bus park) is 130j p/p and then downtown Negril (the bus park) to the West End is 130j p/p.
The reverse route is the same price.
So how do you identify the route taxi's vs the other taxi's with red plates?
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Ukran1ans...the link below perfectly describes the newer route taxi look.Quote:
Originally Posted by ukran1ans
http://negril.com/nt/nt100816.htm
Thanx!
Also, I would recommend to tourists taking route taxis that you still confirm the fare before you get in. One time, the wife and I got into a route taxi (that already had other passengers in it) to go from Home Sweet Home to 3 Dives. I assumed I was going to pay the route fare but when we got to 3 Dives the driver said, "10 dollars". Rookie mistake.
I've have heard others say that you just hand the driver the route fare and get out of the car (which is what the locals do). However, it's probably best to avoid an argument and just confirm the fare before you get in the car.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_D
I was told that if you discuss the fare ahead of time you are negotiating and are not longer getting the route fare. Rob/Lisa, want to confirm/deny this?
In Mike's case, it should be a route taxi fare as it was a shared ride imo. What's the proper way to handle what happened to Mike if it happens to someone else?
It may not help Mike, but it may help someone else! Thanks!
~Moose
Same has happened to us. Watch everyone getting out paying 100j or 200j then when we get dropped it's 1100j.
Yup, I have heard this too. But it might not hurt to confirm with driver, "$130J, right?", before you get in. Curious to hear how others would handle that situation.Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmicMoose
This incident happened on our first trip Negril. Since then, I mostly charter out of convenience. This past July, I needed to go to the Scotia bank from Sea Grape villas. I caught a route taxi with passengers going the wrong way. I offered the driver $1000J to go to Scotia, wait for me and then take me back to the Villas. The driver accepted and I got in the front seat as he headed toward Out of Town Pastry to drop off his passengers. After that, he turned around toward the bank and didn't pick up any other passengers as I had him chartered for the rest of the trip.
I just say "route taxi?" when I get in. If they say yes or nod their head then you can assume it is.
It is that easy. However, from the West End to Hilo I just usually offer 500J for the wife and I, and tell the driver to pick up folks along the way. I pay 3-4 times that back home, so it is still a deal in my eyes.Quote:
Originally Posted by saeyedoc
If you discuss the fare ahead of time, then by definition you are negotiating.Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmicMoose
Asking "route taxi?" is perfect because there is no mention of money, simply what kind of taxi the driver intends to be in this situation.
As for Mike's situation, he could have argued his case and even waited for the police to show up. The law would be on his side. The driver would have to had a "Charter" sign in the front window.
But being on vacation, how much is your valued vacation time worth?
As I have stated more times than I am able to remember, the local route taxi system was designed for locals and not with visitors in mind.
This is exactly the reason that the Tourism Transport Associations (JUTA, JCal, Maxi, etc.) were created in the first place.
You are on vacation. Enjoy all of it and don't sweat the small stuff. Please feel free to take any of the licensed and legal drivers in our Transport section. We know them all personally.
Most if not all offer free cellphone use so you can call them from wherever you are and let them know where you want to go. If they are unavailable, ask if they can get a driver for you.
As a side note, with the new transport regulations coming up, if you are caught in an illegal taxi, you will be guilty of the crime of aiding and abetting the illegal driver.
Always use legal taxis.
Any questions folks?Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Cap
When Linston picks us up Thursday, I'll discuss a few arrangements for our trip. I know sand gravity well, but we will certainly be hitting the cliffs for each of our birthdays, and maybe a day trip. Last thing I need is stress over a few bucks, especially on our vacation! 36 hour to go...really anxious now!
When do the new regulations go into play, Rob? Since our incident a few years back, I'm taxi-shy, and only take charters, but it's always been surprising to me just how many private cars stop and ask us if we need a ride when walking.
It will be sometime later this year. There are something like 250 amendments to be added to the Bill.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hussyband
Did US politicians get involved in it? LMAO :rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
~Moose
Moose,
It has more to do with changing the fines. When the laws we first written, the J$ was about par with the US$
A J$250 fine is not a deterrent to anything. Costs more to write the ticket. Most amendments are to once again make breaking traffic laws something to avoid...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
I was more poking fun at our corrupt politicians. Good to hear that it will have some teeth to be more of a deterrent.
This is mostly aimed at the so called "robot taxis" (illegal white plate taxis)
Thanks,
Moose
The robot taxis are an issue, but this is the first major re-write of the traffic laws in years.
Cellphones, car tinting, cycle licensing/registration, speed limits and much more are being brought up to date.
I am just reflecting on this topic and wonder what the local/driver perspective is? Is it impolite as a visitor to expect a local rate? Is it more respectful to charter a taxi? I have used the route taxi system for the last few years, and never have a problem, just curious.
I just try not to use it when school kids or resort workers are in full force as that is their main source of transportation.
By law, route taxis are not allowed to discriminate, they are supposed to treat everyone the same.Quote:
Originally Posted by LivinInThe603
But for many passengers it is their only affordable way of getting around. Chartering a driver is beyond their means.
Keep that in mind and there should not be a problem.
Reflecting on what you've asked, Living...
I'm thinking about the difference in North American and Jamaican taxi/bus prices...with the prices being much higher in NA of course.
The insurance etc is very similar in both NA & JA and in some aspects being much more in Jamaica (ie. cost of the vehicle).
I truly don't know how some of these taxi drivers survive in JA.
The red plate license fees (the only legal license to carry paying passengers) are astronomical for many of these drivers now...and many simply cannot afford to license their vehicles any more and have gone into other work...if work is to be found.
Truly frustrating!
great perspective, Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by saeyedoc
Thank you!Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
I wonder, then, how does the driver actually earn pay. Are drivers required to track and submit information on the number of fares they carry each shift? or do they pay a "boss" a certain percentage of fares collected? or do they keep the fares they collect and pay the required fees to maintain their cars and their licences?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bnewb
My train of thought is like this.... maybe, given the financial challenges drivers face, using route taxis can actually assist/support the local economy.... ?
I know they are trying to do the right thing as law makers, but the whole thing bums me out. I've been riding with the same non-plated driver for years now, he's become my friend. We go on up to his house at the head of the roaring river and eat an hang out with his sister and kids, I'm really torn on this one. I know there are great red plate drivers out there, but this man is my friend and now I can't ride with him? Is there anyway we could explain that to the authorities if they pulled us over? Need to start Jamaican Uber driver. Rob, do they have anything like Uber on the rock?
Uber tried coming in, that lasted less than 24 hours...
You never could ride with him legally as a paying customer. He was engaging you in an illegal act.Quote:
Originally Posted by Irine
As far as proving it to authorities...you're a tourist...unless you have family here when you visit, it's going to be looked at as a client/customer relationship.
There should not be anything to be torn about. It is how things work here, "the runnings" as they say.
The majority of tour operators started as route taxi drivers. Currently, route drivers pay between $5000-$7000 per day for 5 days, get one day off and one day they make all the money for themselves.
The owner of the vehicle pays for all the legalities. Fees, insurance and whatnot. They earned and deserve their money.
I have had route driver friends tell me that they can't afford it anymore and are going to stop driving. Equally, I have had tour drivers tell me that they are going back to be a route driver because the legalities are too high for them to make any money.
There is always a cost of doing business, and when non-legit entities take advantage of the system, it only raises the cost for the legit operators.
If you really want to help the Negril and Jamaican economy, support the legal businesses. Each time you use non-legit "business" you simply raise the cost of doing business for all the legit operations.
If you have a friend you really want to help, help them become a business person. That means getting registered, licensed, legal and insured. They will need to know that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Help them learn what business means and don't be their crutch as much as that temporarily makes us feel good.
Be part of the solution....
So what I am getting from this, correct me if I am wrong, but don't use a route taxi unless you need to. Only use a hired designated red plate driver. How much does this cost(do you hire a driver for the day or per ride)? My 9 day trip in January we took red plate route taxi the entire time and never had any issues. Felt safe, great price, and was pretty quick too, not much waiting. Now in the past couple weeks I am reading that they are dangerous, not reliable, try to cheat you out on cost, etc. It was nice being able to have transportation cost so minimal but now having to hire a driver every time we want to go somewhere it's gonna be costly. After reading all this I am just very confused and not sure who and what I can trust when I get there with my 3 friends(new to Jamaica).
Yes, you're wrong lol. There are no issues using route taxis, just try not to take seats that need to be used by workers and students at certain times of the day. What did you do on your last trip? Did you get in a shared taxi running a fixed route and pay the per person route taxi price, or did you "charter" the red plate to yourselves and negotiate a rate?
The real issue now is getting rides from someone, even if a friend, who doesn't have a red plate since that's illegal and you both can be fined.
You and 3 friends are the perfect size for going "charter". If you see an empty Red Plate car, ask him for a fare to take you and your friends anywhere you want to go and negotiate the price. Of course, you can Route Taxi as well but it might be difficult to find one that will fit the 4 of you without the driver wanting to make it a "charter" anyways. Just relax and do it the way you did last time. No reason to be confused if you have already experienced the Route Taxi system.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jame
Peace and Guidance
You also have to remember that travel insurance policies say you are covered for accident insurance provided you are in a licenced transportation service. If you are out with a "friend", driving around and not in a licenced red plate, and heaven forbid there's an accident your medical care will be at the mercy of the Jamaican insurance provider. That's not a pretty picture. I have dealt with Jamaican insurance and it's pretty much "yeah, you have no coverage. Let us know how it work out for you".Quote:
Originally Posted by Irine
P/S was in Duluth for the airshow in June. Duluth might be the most beautiful city in all the USA.
Insurance companies have lawyers to get out of paying claims. If you are with a "friend", you would have to prove that no money ever changed hands and there was compensation. Without being a blood relative, your chance of winning are next to zero.
In fact, should there be an accident, since you are not in a legal taxi, you may be held liable for any damages done.
Well I work for a government agency so I am always insured to the teeth when I leave the country, never the less it's time to change my ride, or get my ride changed. How much would my Jamaican friend have to pay to get a red plate? Maybe I could sponsor him.
Irine,
It is a process. Time as much as money. Background check, vehicle age and fitness, classes to attend, joining an association or applying for a route. And fees and licenses are an ongoing issue.
Joining one of the associations will streamline the process, they can handle much of the red tape. The insurance discount essentially offsets the dues.
But when the law is strengthened, illegal taxi practices will be costly to the driver as well as the passengers.
The cost to you would be able to pay for premium charter service for your next 10 trips.
But it could be a fraction of what you might end up paying should you be in a bad accident.
Everybody's idea of a "friend" is different so I am only speaking from many years of PERSONAL experience. I learned a long time ago that no matter how much I wanted to change things for my friends in Jamaica,Quote:
Originally Posted by Irine
no amount of money ever seemed to be enough. Consider every amount of money you give to be just that; a gift because experience says you will rarely get it back or get anything equal of value for it and almost surely no brawta as well.
I would look at this example in this way. With Red Plate and Insurance and other costs you will spend at least $500 US or probably more. (I don't have the exact amount but others may) Or.... I could just find another Red Plate driver and pay the regular fare and get something of value for my money. Then I would take my "friend" out for a meal or a drink or something similar and consider that my gift to him as a friend. I don't want to take the chance of losing friends over money.
Donating to a charity will do more good than "sponsoring" a friend in the long run.
Just my opinion.
Peace and Guidance
Ya I guess. Still makes me sad, takes away from the laid back "no worries" visit we always have there. He takes us places we wouldn't trust just anyone to take us. Invites us up to his home in Roaring River for dinner with his sister and we do take him for dinner and drinks and often he won't take a fee at the end of the day. It is very complicated witnessing a 3rd or 2nd world country's progression towards a 1st world country and I have a lot to learn. We always have considered any amount of money we have given him a gift, he works hard and he probably has a red plate already. I'll call him next weekend to se how he's doing, I haven't spoken to him in awhile. Thanks for the input, it is really a gift that this board has so many educated people available to converse with.