Regarding the route taxi incident that happened to Hussyband....

As I have already posted, all of us are deeply sorry this happened to them. It shouldnt happen anywhere, but unfortunately in this real world we live in bad things can and do happen to good people.

As Hussyband mentioned, the police are angry about this incident. These cowards as Hussyband described them, now have identifying marks including a busted windscreen and mashed up head. Along with the description of the vehicle, the Lilliput wording on the side and the actual picture of the vehicle, contrary to what some may think, the police will be working extremely hard to catch these thugs.

I was woken up this morning by a driver friend of mine about the robbery and the word has been out in Negril for everyone to look for this vehicle. Both the police and other drivers have been looking for them. Because the vehicle had Lilliput markings on it, its "route" is about 25 minutes outside of MoBay on the north coast, about 2 hours from Negril. They will have had to travel quite a ways to get back to their home area and there will be many people who will see them and many who are directly looking for them.

Now this brings up a point that I feel does need to be reiterated in light of what has happened. As me, Lisa and others have posted many times in the past, here is an old quote from an old thread that holds relevance today:

Quote:

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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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This is important for visitors to the island to understand. While some compare the local route taxi system to the mass transit system in their own home towns, this is not the case. While in the absolute and most basic of definitions it may be true, towns such as Kingston and MoBay do have true mass transit buses with set fares and regular pick ups and stops. The route taxi system was put in place in those rural areas where mass transit buses simply are not an option. The route taxi system tries to fill the gap between mass transit and having no transit at all. It can be a complicated system even for those who use it everyday.

But unless you have lived here a long time, or have grown up here and have years of daily experience with the route taxi system, problems can and will occur. Even those living here can get into problem situations when getting into any route taxi that they do not personally know the driver. Lisa and I have seen thousands of Jamaican women refuse taxi after taxi until one comes by that they know personally and feel safe entering. This is the norm. These women do not just get into any route taxi, but are selective in their drivers. Many men do the exact same thing. Better to be safe than sorry...

For those who do know the system, having the "Lilliput" markings on the side of the car tells everyone who is experienced with the route taxi system that this driver is hours away from his route. This in itself means something is not right. The vehicle could be stolen or the driver is simply up to no good. They are two hours away from their local route. Locals who have daily experience with the route taxi system and do not know the driver would never get into this vehicle.

The first transportation system designed with visitors to the island in mind was JUTA. Since then, there have been many other union/associations of drivers set up to specifically serve the needs of visitors to the island including JCal, Maxi and the various parish associations now being created. The drivers have been trained and certified by the Jamaica Tourist Board and their vehicles do have the logo of the association that they belong to and they all have red license plates.

I hope that something positive can come out of Hussyband and his wife's terrifying experience. While in Jamaica, please leave the route taxi system to those it was designed for, the local populace.

And please take advantage of the thousands of drivers island wide who operate specifically for you, visitors to our island. Many, if not most of these drivers now offer complimentary cellphones for your use to call them when you need a ride. And should you not have a cellphone, ask the establishment to call a driver for you. And if you are around me or Lisa, we are always more than willing to help you obtain a safe ride.

Thanks for the info, Rob. Glad to know there is an alternative to the route taxi.

Right on point Rob

Linston's route is Negril - Green Island and most of his riders know him personally. Sometimes he has potential rider pass him up because they don't know him. The route cab system in Negril is primarily for workers that travel to Negril and back to home. It's not really for visitors. The word gets around pretty quickly about who's a good driver and who's not.

If you try to save a few bucks (Cheap Charlie) by using the route system you'd better be well acquainted with the runnings. (like getting in t a cab way off his route and no "charter" sign in his window....... And visiting for a week or two every so often doesn't qualify. The route system is not for you it's for Jamaicans who must travel to work or shop.

If you think I'm saying this because Linston's my son and I ride for free think again. I PAY Linston for his time every visit even though I'm his Dad and financial supporter.

Just find a charter with a phone and rest easy.

Cap

Good point Rob - question for you - the drivers you list in the Transportation section - are most of them just for tours/airport transportation or are they available for a trip into town for supplies or just a taxi ride to get dinner? Is there a way to figure out which are available for "local" taxi services?

2nutz,

That is the best part about using the drivers we have listed in our Transportation section. We know them all personally, and most if not all will provide you with a free cellphone. If you need a ride anywhere - give them a call. If they are around they will come and get you. Should they be on another trip or tour, they will be able to arrange another driver for you. It makes for a hassle free vacation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rob

2nutz,

That is the best part about using the of the drivers we have listed in our Transportation section. We know them all personally, and most if not all will provide you with a free cellphone. If you need a ride anywhere - give them a call. If they are around they will come and get you. Should they be on another trip or tour, they will be able to arrange another driver for you. It makes for a hassle free vacation.

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Good point Rob - thanks. I'll speak to our transfer driver about the "local" stuff and probably take advantage of his free phone. I'd forgotten about that...

Oh I get it now Rob,,,the Lilliput cabs were not designed for tourist??? I get it now......Hey when the Jamaicasn got to New York,is there a special cab they get for not getting robbed,Rob????? All the villagers never saw a car RACING down the road with a smashed windshield OR is it....Hey,the rich Tourist can afford to lose some cash?Right????? Walk tall,be aware,dont be TOO friendly.....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fred Stripe

Oh I get it now Rob,,,the Lilliput cabs were not designed for tourist??? I get it now......Hey when the Jamaicasn got to New York,is there a special cab they get for not getting robbed,Rob????? All the villagers never saw a car RACING down the road with a smashed windshield OR is it....Hey,the rich Tourist can afford to lose some cash?Right????? Walk tall,be aware,dont be TOO friendly.....

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Fred,

Apparently you are not getting much of anything. The entire route taxi system was not designed with visitors to the island in mind. It was designed to allow the local populace in the rural areas to have transit. The New York City taxis were designed with all traffic in mind, locals and visitors alike. Jamaica had about 2 million visitors to the island last year, NYC had 52 million. You are comparing oranges with big apples....

The Lilliput route taxis are designated to run their routes in Lilliput which is approximately two hours from Negril. They are not expected to be operating in Negril. And once again, being a route taxi, they were designed with the local populace in mind, not the visiting tourists as has been stated.

Jamaicans are very aware of what happens in their local communities, and seeing Lilliput route taxi with a broken windscreen racing through their town is something they would remember, especially when that town is no where near Lilliput.

I am not sure why you are being sarcastic and wasting other's time over something like this.

Another lesson I have taken away from this, is to not carry around more than what I actually need with me. Just enough cash, leave unnecessary valuables in the hotel. Very shocking story and a good reminder, that you're "not in Kansas anymore". Having lived in Miami and Philly for over a decade combined, you see this thing happen more often than it should in the states. Try to take those instincts with me to Jamaica.

Sorry about the mishap hussyband.

We made plans with Steves Positive tours 3 or 4 weeks ago to take us to the places we know we want to be transported to and gave them the dates and times we want to go and they have been great.Emailed us a couple of times to make sure we are still set on our plans and times were right.I think this is the way we will go from now on.Decent prices and friendly people,that is what makes a great vacation stay great!!

Here is a direct quote from the Jamaica Tourist Board:

"If you are after a more relaxed Jamaican vacation, use our transport services especially for visitors. We offer a range of carriage operators that are equipped with a fleet of well-maintained, air-conditioned cars, buses, coaches and luxury vehicles, each piloted by friendly and experienced drivers. We can guarantee that you will reach all your destinations in style.

Our drivers will not only provide you with a stylish and relaxing trip, but also one full of trivia. From our history and culture, to flora, fauna and other local facts, our drivers have been on seminars to be able to act as your tour guides too. They’ll even stop along the way to show you scenic spots, fruit stalls and popular restaurants - all allowing you to experience local delicacies, beverages and vistas firsthand.

All of our approved tourist transportation drivers bear a Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) identification tag. Furthermore, all approved vehicles must adhere to strict standards, undergoing regular road fitness tests. As a result, we can safely say that our vehicles are always in the best condition, and ready to take you around our beautiful country, in style."

So...WHAT does that have to do with a robbery,,It's kinda secret talk saying UMMMM tourist should not go on these Taxis due to many robberies??????Nothing sarcastic at all,I think the crime is homogenized/suppress here...Gee,O/K just take this "safe" cab and lets forget the whole thing....Why don't you advise the ladies to NOT wear the wedding rings,do NOT get in a cab with 2 guys????

this is not just a Jamaican thing....I cant think of the last time I read where the crime rate has dropped anywhere!..money is tight and getting tighter.......when people are pushed to their limits, some will change, a different type of person is out there then there was 20-25 yrs ago.....once we had a "protected status" as a tourist, we were fair game for a little "con"..but physical violence was not condoned by any Jamaican, as it might "make us all go away"..........not so anymore we are looked at by some as a "easy income, and to make it easy for them, we are very poor in describing any perpetrator,lol I have overheard some tourist describing their assailant " It was a Black Rasta type with sort hair", (it more then was likely tucked in).........
And as a rule we try to be friendly, if not slightly stupid in not wanting to offend our "hosts", so we allow ourselves to relax our defenses........BUT remember you didn't got to Jamaica to sit behind any wall or room in fear, but also you cant control fate..in otherwords (*hit happens)...use common sense, if its too cheap.. there is a reason..........your not in Kansas, and for sure Jamaica is not OZ!...........

Safety first...fun next

Have a Happy and a Thankful Thanksgiving

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fred Stripe

So...WHAT does that have to do with a robbery,,It's kinda secret talk saying UMMMM tourist should not go on these Taxis due to many robberies??????Nothing sarcastic at all,I think the crime is homogenized/suppress here...Gee,O/K just take this "safe" cab and lets forget the whole thing....Why don't you advise the ladies to NOT wear the wedding rings,do NOT get in a cab with 2 guys????

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The only things not welcome here are non-tourism related posts, non-Jamaica or Negril posts, lies, rumors and speculation, which serves no purpose at all for the Negril Message Board. The truth has and always will be welcomed. You can think crime is "supressed" here, but the robbery is being discussed here, is it not? What is being surpressed?

We are not the Gleaner or Observer so not all Jamaican news is relevant to our tourism related focused site, but any information that is truly helpful to our visitors is always welcome. To not allow it would be stupid in this day with instantaneous information being transmitted worldwide. There is no way we have enough power to stop that. To think we do, while flattering in an odd way, is ridiculous.

As for the advice about not wearing real jewelry, there are many mentions of that on this site, including wedding bands. And there have been entire discussions, one of which I quoted from in this very thread, where people have been warned not to get into a taxi with 2 guys in it.

But you seem to be missing the simple point that both Captaind and I are trying to make. There is no "secret talk" about route taxis and robberies, just that there are safer, better alternatives.

I wrote earlier:

"But unless you have lived here a long time, or have grown up here and have years of daily experience with the route taxi system, problems can and will occur. Even those living here can get into problem situations when getting into any route taxi that they do not personally know the driver. Lisa and I have seen thousands of Jamaican women refuse taxi after taxi until one comes by that they know personally and feel safe entering. This is the norm. These women do not just get into any route taxi, but are selective in their drivers. Many men do the exact same thing. Better to be safe than sorry..."

And Captaind wrote earlier:

"If you try to save a few bucks (Cheap Charlie) by using the route system you'd better be well acquainted with the runnings. (like getting in t a cab way off his route and no "charter" sign in his window....... And visiting for a week or two every so often doesn't qualify. The route system is not for you it's for Jamaicans who must travel to work or shop."

If you want to save a buck by taking a route taxi, it is not against the law and you are entitled to do so. But please dont come here and say that we suppress that information. If you do a search of the board, you will find every topic you mentioned already has been discussed.

Rob

Let me start off with thanks for everything you do and have done for all of us who visit Negril.

Your post and knowledge are valuable to us as well as your experiences and the experiences of everyone that post here on Negril.com. If it were not for you and this message board many people in Negril and many of us would be lost. I have learned so much here over the years.

What has Happened to Hussy and Cindi is terrible, In no way was it their fault. I am so glad they posted what happened and also happy that you have responded to the situation so well. This could have happened in any country at anytime to any one of us. It should be a reminder to all of us to be aware of our surroundings and pay attention.

Hopefully justice comes to these cowards.

We are headed to Negril a week from today and still plan on doing our thing and having a great vacation. I am sure we will still use the route taxi system as it is convent but this same thing could have happened in any taxi whether it was a route taxi or regular taxi.

Again Rob thanks for what you do,

Hussy and Cindi our hearts go out to you!! It is sad this happened yo you.

Rob-

Thanks for the info. I was planning on using route taxis on my next reach but I am now checking the transportation board to find a driver with a free cell phone. Peace of mind is a good thing.

Lax1724

P.S. It is not healthy to attempt to have a logical conversation with an illogical person.

some of the route taxis have regular passengers - going to and leaving from work - and expecting to catch the same route taxi home each day --- i have been ousted by the side of the road - more than once - watching route taxi after full route taxi pass me by ---- and no way i would ever travel via route taxi with valuables --- heck sometime - IF - i use a route taxi - i take exact change and make sure not to open my mouth --- and i know my stop and hop out and walk --- not sharing where i'm staying

i have regular drivers i use --- some for night - some for long travel days - some for zippy quickies - PLENTY of drivers - that i've known for years --- i'm not hopping in a strange car --- to go to the ATM

my drivers usually wait for me --- or i can call them back --- in the odd event they can't pick me up --- i ask the owner of the establishment to call me a taxi --- i read Hansel and Gretel --- gotta leave some bread crumb if something happens

asked for a taxi at Canoe one night --- and had the pleasure of a real safe ride --- with Kirby

(((hussybandcindi)))

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lax1724

Rob-

Thanks for the info. I was planning on using route taxis on my next reach but I am now checking the transportation board to find a driver with a free cell phone. Peace of mind is a good thing.

Lax1724

P.S. It is not healthy to attempt to have a logical conversation with an illogical person.

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I have had a couple close calls taking route taxi,s saved by an intuition?

Only wanted the PS in my quote but couldn't figure out a partial quote!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by captaind

Smith me friend...you ain't the average visitor...........I mean...who's going to thief a guy wearing water boots?

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You left out his "I ain't got **** clothes" :rolleyes:

no Smith is not the average tourist. Stays longer than a few weeks. so Smith744 have a great trip. s-h-i-t happens everywhere. time to shut this down if need be.

Chiming in.....we use a driver exclusively on every trip. I won't mention his name as he is not a board sponsor, but he is close friends with the security guys at our hotel. I pay him very well for our week-long trips, and I also buy him beers and food at various places where we stop. I wouldn't think of doing all the moving around that we do without him. Only downside to his service is he likes to go to bed early and lives in Green Island. This probably explains why I am up at 6am every morning walking the beach and in bed by 9pm looking forward to doing it again the next day. If you can figure it out financially, get yourself a driver that you can count on and treat them right. You'll be totally safe!!!

M&M

I think what Rob has said about Route Taxis and explaining their real purpose is very wise. I'm sorry too for what happened, although I don't know these people or many on here. I have taken a route taxi, even by myself for very short distances, and only get into a car with the one driver. If I do this, it is when I do not carry a purse .. I wear no jewellery in Negril unless I'm with my friends and being escorted and if I do any shopping, for example, Times Square etc., I carry the black shopping bags and put the store bag with the goods inside it.
The JAs plan very well ahead before they go out, and we should too.
I'm not trying to point out they did anything wrong as they are on vacation and contributing to the economy by purchasing goods and patronizing the eating places.
If we do use Route Taxis from time to time, and they are cheaper, then maybe split the trip up by shopping and using the tourist cabs .. unload your purchases and take your Route Taxi to go and eat, whilst you have put your rings and any other important things in your safe.
I have worn a necklace before when going out in the day, cause I wanted it with my outfit, so I just turned the stone around to the back tucked in while I was walking or riding, so it looked like a basic silver chain .. then when I got to my destination, I turned it around.
Good luck everyone.

So sorry to hear something bad happened....I'll have to go dig up that thread for details.

I'm a "Cheap Charlie" and use route taxis and route buses in JA and can't see steering tourist away from using them.....rather educate them on how to use them. My last trip from MBJ to Negril was via route taxis and shortly after Smith744(?) posted about the same thing. They are a cheap transport solution for "Cheap Charlies" and in my opinion a very good way to explore the culture/meet the people outside of the tourist areas. With that said I would have my own mother use Clives or another well spoken charter taxi service liked by many on this forum.

Just wondering....let's say it's 4am and a tourist is leaving Miyard back to their hotel or 9 am and they need a ride to the cambio...or whatever silly @ss ride from point A to point B in Negril....should they have to call around to charter cabs (approved by this forum) instead of using the route taxi system? Should Blue Mountain tourists have to pay $50 each time they want to go down to Kingston instead of taking the route 67 bus for $5-$6?

2 cents from a cheap Charlie

Mostly I am the cheapest of Charlies, as most of the time I just walk, too cheap to even use a route taxi!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by poolguywindsor

Mostly I am the cheapest of Charlies, as most of the time I just walk, too cheap to even use a route taxi!

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So....Forest Charlie Gump you use my logic that a ride from the beach to the cliffs=the cost of two beers and why ride when you can drink beer for the same price?

BTW, I mostly lurk here....your trip reports kick @ss!

Rob~ Are any of the route taxis that do a regular run along beach road approved by the JTB? I"m a little unclear on what I"m to do if I"m staying at someplace on the beach and want a quick ride down the beach road, I usually start to walk wherever I want to go but….:). I know in the past a route ride can turn into a charter ride(if set a charter price upfront) but that doesn't mean its an approved JTB taxi. I understand calling an approved driver for a longer ride but are you suggesting to call from an approved list even its from the beach road?
Not to get off topic but I also want to thank you at this time looking out for us and for providing such a great place for information.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by poolguywindsor

Mostly I am the cheapest of Charlies, as most of the time I just walk, too cheap to even use a route taxi!

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Same here. 10 bucks is 10 bucks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shell

Rob~ Are any of the route taxis that do a regular run along beach road approved by the JTB? I"m a little unclear on what I"m to do if I"m staying at someplace on the beach and want a quick ride down the beach road, I usually start to walk wherever I want to go but….:). I know in the past a route ride can turn into a charter ride(if set a charter price upfront) but that doesn't mean its an approved JTB taxi. I understand calling an approved driver for a longer ride but are you suggesting to call from an approved list even its from the beach road?
Not to get off topic but I also want to thank you at this time looking out for us and for providing such a great place for information.

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Shell,

Route taxis are licensed and insured to carry paying passengers, thus the red license plate, but they are not approved by the JTB, the Jamaica Tourist Board. That is because they were created to handle the transportation needs of the local populace, not visitors to the island.

The system that was designed especially for visitors to Jamaica are the various unions and associations such as JUTA, JCal, Maxi and now the smaller associations being formed in nearly every parish. They are the only vehicles and drivers who have gone through the extra JTB training, inspections and have been certified by the JTB. Each of these vehicles will have a JTB sticker on their windshield and also have a red license plate to indicate that they are legally insured and licensed to carry paying passengers as well.

At virtually every establishment on the beach (and the cliffs for that matter) you will find these drivers parked out front or possibly hanging out inside the establishment. They are ready, willing and able to take you on a short run down the beach as well as longer trips. They are not route taxis and are not legally allowed to operate a route, that is why you find them parked in front of the establishments.

Just as you would with the route ride that you mentioned that you have chartered in the past, you charter this JTB approved driver to take you on that run. They will probably offer you their business card should you need their services at a later date. This is also a great way to obtain a set of numbers of drivers for those late night outings. You would be able to call them to run you back to the hotel when the shows are over.

Thanks Rob! You know..I've seen the cars and drivers you mentioned parked outside of restaurants etc, but I always assumed they were the freelance uninsured drivers that I've always avoided. Learn something new all the time on here! I am a little sad that I no longer will hop in a route taxi as freely as I use to, enjoyed the experience.

I second that motion, Thank you Rob & Lisa for your well informed imput and work, well thought words.

Learned so much as a member of this board. First trip we stayed AI afraid to venture out other than guided tours. Discovered this board and next trip got more adventurous. Didn't know squat about red plates or anything related on the 2nd trip. Grabbed any driver who stopped for us. Had a ball and was lucky. Reading about incidents here on this board has educated us about red plates and route taxis (actually thought route taxis were ok as long as they had red plates). Sad for the honest route drivers as this will cost them to loose some business. We have had gut feeling experiences in our travels to Negril. We listen to our instincts and so far have been very safe. There is danger in all countries even home if you let your guard down or venture in the wrong place. We will continue to visit and learn as we go. Good to hear Mr Husssyband got his licks in. Hopefully the damages will cost that thief more than he took.

One thing to remember is that some red plates like Linston have a route but also do charters.

As long as you know if the red plate is a sponsor here you can trust them.......

Especially Linston 376-3652 or www.redplate-negril.com

Good advice Rob, we have used route taxis a few times but we did not flag them down, I figured they were having a slow day so were looking to pick up some fares and most likely get more from tourist, not sure if we really should e using them t all now, We never felt un safe but couple times were crambed in with their family members but never a bus experience but probaby we should just wave them on. Usally when that happene we r either going from the cliffs to the beach or visa versa

No word yet if the authorities caught these two creeps?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rob

The system that was designed especially for visitors to Jamaica are the various unions and associations such as JUTA, JCal, Maxi and now the smaller associations being formed in nearly every parish. They are the only vehicles and drivers who have gone through the extra JTB training, inspections and have been certified by the JTB. Each of these vehicles will have a JTB sticker on their windshield and also have a red license plate to indicate that they are legally insured and licensed to carry paying passengers as well.

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Rob, if I am reading this correctly, in a situation where a tourist is looking for a ride at the last minute, and they are walking along the road, and a taxi beeps at them to offer a ride, the tourist should really only hire the drivers with red plates AND a JTB sticker on their windshield? (nice run on sentence, eh?) The tourists should really avoid the true route taxis to help ensure their safety?

Johio,

Essentially yes, that is what I would recommend. If I needed a ride at the last minute, I would ask at the establishment where I am and ask them if anyone is around to take me to where I needed to go. Or I would keep a list of numbers (as I do) of drivers I know.

If you are walking the road (and not on the new sidewalk on the beach road) and a taxi stops and beeps at you, chances are they are simply looking for a fare. The majority of the drivers are hardworking folks trying to make money just as we all do. But the problem as has been illustrated here is that you have no way of knowing for sure.

Locals in Negril do not just jump into just any taxi. They typically wait for a driver and vehicle they recognize. This becomes second nature when you have been using route taxis your whole life.

But as a tourist visiting the island, you do not have the luxury of years of experience of knowing who the good drivers are, who the not so good drivers are, who is just a bad driver (although the dents in the car tends to point them out) and who may up to no good.

In an email conversation I have been having, I asked a very simple question. Regarding the robbery that just occurred, what percentage of tourists coming to Negril do think would know that Lilliput is about 2 hours from Negril and they should never get in that taxi? Even more simply put, what percentage of tourists would actually notice the Lilliput route marking and know what it meant?

This number becomes very important if someone wants to recommend that tourists should take route taxis. I personally think the number is very small, so there is no way in good conscience I can recommend that tourists take route taxis when I feel the vast majority would not know what the Lilliput markings meant.

School children are taught how route taxis work when they are young so they learn not to get into taxis that are "wrong". But visitors to the island also do not have the luxury of growing up being taught the route taxi system.

So having the establishment find or call a driver for you is the first thing I would suggest if you dont already have a cellphone and list of drivers you can trust.

And as a sidenote to this, every Jamaican I have talked to about this said immediately that the taxi must be stolen as no Lilliput route driver would be trying to run routes in Negril...

Sorry I , must chime in. Say what you want about route taxis NOT being designed for tourists. That's true and I respect that. However, in the REAL world route taxies will offer rides to tourists and tourists will accept...END OF STORY!!!!!!! It's not reasonable to expect them to to be worldly enough to realize the possible dangers. With all due respect......GET REAL. I have used route taxis in the past and won't hesitate to continue..as with anything in Jam Rock, with caution, of course.

Respect.

I would say 9 out of 10 visitors wouldn't have a clue that a Lilliput taxi shouldn't be on a route in Negril.
Personally, if I even noticed that route marking; I probably wouldn't think anything was wrong.
(and I've been to Jamaica a dozen times and I think I've seen that marking before perhaps in Trelawny or on the way there)
But thanks to this incident and Rob's posts about the situation; I will be very, very careful about taking a route taxi from here on in.
I'm not ruling it however.
It's just that travelling as a couple, a charter taxi that takes you right to your door (not the side of the road by the laneway or long driveway to your residence) only costs a little more if you negotiate.
Those guys dozing at the roadside waiting for a fare will do some amazing deals if you have experience negotiating.
I just know this. In my city it takes a 20 dollar bill in a metered taxi to go across town. In Negril, it takes less than 10 dollars.

Rob, I appreciate that you are using this thread to try and educate..every little piece of advice when traveling abroad is welcomed and needed.