Transport / Drivers / Tourguides - have you switched and why

It seems like everyone has a service or a guy that they always use. For a newbie, you kinda pick on based on what is posted on these forums, reviews, price and services or you just bump into somebody and hit it off. I assume it has been that way for most on this board.

I'm courious though, has anyone here switched drivers? Please don't use any names as I would never want to hurt anyones business nor is my intent to endorse anyone.

If you have switched drivers, what were the circumstances? Was there something about the new service that changed your mind? If so, what was it? I assume availability is a big one.

I'm quite happy with the guys I already know and not looking for a change, just wondering.

I think (generally) people are recommended to a driver or tour service and, if you sort of "hit it off" with that person you become "friends". We all seem to be loyal to our "friends" and thus recommend them whenever we see someone wants to hire a driver.

This is why the Clives, Patricks, etc. etc. are so popular. Not necessarily because they provide a better service but because those that use them want to believe that their "friend" is the best. Maybe this is because after a visit or two to Jamaica, people consider themselves "experts" on how things run.

I am of the belief that you shouldn't lock yourself into one driver but instead have a few compete for your dollar. Once you get a couple you like and trust, then I believe you get the best value for your dollar. After all, when one is busy the other might be available. Just makes good common sense in my book.

When I travel around using Route Taxis I collect business cards of those I like the way they drive and interact incase I want to arrange a trip somewhere (especially in areas outside of Negril).

Peace and Guidance

I started using Linston's Taxi as soon as he got the red plate.

He's my son but he is a good driver and on time. (lol)

I have used at least 4 highly recommended drivers and still have not found "the one". Maybe next trip...

We prefer a non-smoking/drinking driver who does not talk too much or too little and is a very safe driver.
I don't want to be depressed for the entire transfer hearing about the economy or politics.
I also don't want to sit in the car while the driver takes care of his personal business.
Once I had a driver from a reputable company take us to YS falls and he did not know how to get there! Thankfully, I did!
Plus, he tried to get us to pay the entrance and for our own lunch which was included.
Also, the switch out of drivers also bugs me...If you are not available, why did you agree to the service?

Anywho, found a pretty nice driver this last trip but does not have his red plate yet.
Hopefully by next year, I can give him another try once he gets everything done.

We used the same guy a couple of times but he lost his red plate so we used someone else highly recommended. That person talked about himself and how he grew his business all the way from mobay to Negril. We used Linston last time - nice guy, timely and safe.

Mike NYC yes people change drivers all the time for various reasons, please do not be afraid to compare rates also.

We have had a regular for nearly 5 years, and thought it would last forever, people, all of us included change, trust your gut if you don't like something, ask about it, if you don't like the answer change. If you feel like changing, change, enjoy your vacation and once you hit the bricks it starts with your ride. It's a service and your the customer, your choice mi friend.

Accompong, I'm curious just how many trips exactly makes you an expert on how things run? Are you an expert? If so what trip # qualified you?? I'm curious because I'd like to know just how many I have to go?

Great question MikeyNYC, sorry to detour the thread for a second or two.

Jamb

We've changed drivers a number of times. All because we only want people that are punctual. Our vacation means a lot to us and we want to be on our way to Negril with no waiting and not worry that the return trip will be a problem. If I'm left sitting at the airport and have to negotiate with someone I don't know or having to call from the hotel to find a return I simply move on to the next name on the list of recommendations. We have been lucky for the last 3 years and have had a great driver. In town it's simply Route Taxis using no one in peticular.

This board has great recommendations, find someone that meets your needs and stick with them.

Had a friend pick us up from the airport and take us back, but his car has been in the shop a few times, so we use Kingsley/Robert who we like.

I really could use a good reference I wont be there for a while but it will be my second trip... the first time we used juta at the airport through priceline.com and this time I'm booking everything separately so I could use a suggestion... I will need someone that doesn't mind stopping for patties and a few things for the room and one that might have a phone to use/rent. I don't mind someone that likes to talk too, my other and I like it cuz its usually knowledge or at least entertainment. Reliability is a MUST through because I get nervous easy...lol

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Originally Posted by Jambarney

Accompong, I'm curious just how many trips exactly makes you an expert on how things run? Are you an expert? If so what trip # qualified you?? I'm curious because I'd like to know just how many I have to go?
Jamb

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I don't know if it is the number of trips one makes that makes one an "expert" on how things run. I stopped counting around 60 trips and some 25+ years ago so I can't actually pin point the day or place but living in Jamaica does give me insights that a week-at-a-time visitor doesn't get to see.

I don't consider myself an "expert" on Negril as I rarely go there anymore preferring to live in the Cockpit Mountain instead. Someone like Rob and Lisa certainly know more about things.

Your "tongue and cheek" remark "I'd like to know just how many I have to go?" points out you consider yourself an "expert" already and only slightly bent out of shape to learn that some others may know as much or maybe even a likkle more than you. :cool: :p

I will keep passing on my insights as long as people care to learn a little more and think you will probably do the same. Walk Good!

Peace and Guidance

For our airport transfers, we switched once, from a larger company to a smaller one. Nothing wrong with the larger one, in fact, they were excellent. We switched because we were hoping to get more familiarity with the drivers as opposed to a different one every time. So far in 2 trips, we've had 2 different drivers LOL so much for that! I prefer a driver that talks, I enjoy the interaction, so we may switch again; the company we use now, the drivers are pretty quiet...

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Originally Posted by Beebeluv

I really could use a good reference I wont be there for a while but it will be my second trip... the first time we used juta at the airport through priceline.com and this time I'm booking everything separately so I could use a suggestion... I will need someone that doesn't mind stopping for patties and a few things for the room and one that might have a phone to use/rent. I don't mind someone that likes to talk too, my other and I like it cuz its usually knowledge or at least entertainment. Reliability is a MUST through because I get nervous easy...lol

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I could certainly recommend CaptainD's son, Linston. http://negril.com/transport/linston.htm A nice guy; well educated, safe driver and attentive to the needs of his passengers.

Peace and Guidance

Patrick with Esperanza Tours.... He has never given me any reason to want to switch....

Winston from the Malcolm brothers is our go-to for airport transfers. Reasonable price for a private transfer and there when we need him. And it's convenient to book them and our hotel through negrilonestop.com

We use who-ever in town. Don't really take trips, just short jaunts and use route taxis during the day. We've tried using one driver to take us somewhere (like dinner) and let them know when we want to leave - if they are around, great, but I'm not going to spend a lot of time waiting. We don't get a phone and it's nice to be "disconnected" for the week. Leaning towards places that pickup and drop off, (if some restaurants would guarantee a price of $15 - $20 we'd use that too), just to not have the haggle hassle, it gets old after a while. Ciao and Seastar, here we come!

Michael's On Time Taxi!

Keep smiling,
Tranquilitygurl

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Originally Posted by negril#1fan

Patrick with Esperanza Tours.... He has never given me any reason to want to switch....

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I've used Patrick several times and he really is good.

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Originally Posted by JaJodi

Winston from the Malcolm brothers is our go-to for airport transfers. Reasonable price for a private transfer and there when we need him. And it's convenient to book them and our hotel through negrilonestop.com

We use who-ever in town. Don't really take trips, just short jaunts and use route taxis during the day. We've tried using one driver to take us somewhere (like dinner) and let them know when we want to leave - if they are around, great, but I'm not going to spend a lot of time waiting. We don't get a phone and it's nice to be "disconnected" for the week. Leaning towards places that pickup and drop off, (if some restaurants would guarantee a price of $15 - $20 we'd use that too), just to not have the haggle hassle, it gets old after a while. Ciao and Seastar, here we come!

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I'm good friends with Winston's nephew - Terry Malcolm aka RoboCop. Terry is my go to driver as he has been a good friend over the years and 6 years ago became the godfather to my twin nephews. When Terry isn't available, his father Mr.Malcolm will drive or his Uncle Winston. They are all professional drivers with clean vehicles, mannerly and safe. I would highly recommend them to everybody!

Agree 100% with Jajodi

We've just returned from Negril and agree with Cap - Linston was very courteous and prompt. After hearing about the horrific accident that occurred while we were there I was more than thankful for Linston's safe driving!