Just a little confused

[monica]

Hi All,
It is my understanding that the red plated taxis are insured and to not use white plated taxis. We booked dinner reservations with three different restaurants that offer free pick up/ return. I noticed that the vehicles are white plated. Last night after dinner we were approached by a white plated taxi and I respectively refused his service and told him that we are taking red plated taxi. Of course he said he is very experienced and so on but was kind enough to call a red plated taxi. There was no negotiating with this fellow. He asked for 1000.00 from Kuyaba to Bloody Bay.

I also approached two reputable red plated taxi's to be dropped off at the west end. Their fee was $1500.00 for each way. Just wanted to check with you experienced boardies if these fees are in line?

Thanks

[Flipadelphia26]

Neither price is that bad. From Kuyaba to Bloody Bay is about 7 miles worth of driving. To the West End is much further. Just think about what a cab costs per mile in the states.

[juls]

Monica, I was confused the same way..When I went to Jamaica with my adult daughters..the cab that picked up my daughter to go ziplining didn't have a red plate..When I asked at the desk..they said..Its ok.. It was a long day waiting for her to come back!

[Mike_D]

We just returned from Negril last night. For a chartered taxi, the going rate for the deep West End to anywhere on the beach (or vice versa) for 2 passengers seemed to be ~$800J. A couple drivers insisted on $1000, and would not budge (usually the guys in nice cars or vans). Was the $1500.00 quote for Bloody Bay to the West End? Some drivers add on an a few extra dollars to go the extra mile to the AIs.

You are correct that you should always use red plate taxis (white plates are not taxis, just private vehicles). If a restaurant offers pickup/return and they send a white plate vehicle, it is probably one their employees who may be driving a car owned by the resort (or may be driving his own car). It is up to your discretion whether or not you want to take that ride.

[Flipadelphia26]

MikeD, How was it? I am headed to the yunk tonight for happy hour.

[Mike_D]

MikeD, How was it? I am headed to the yunk tonight for happy hour.

We had a great time! We usually travel during the off-season, so it was cool to be there with lots of tourists around. It was also nice to hit-up some spots that are usually closed during the off-season. I'll post some pics and stuff in a new thread. We visited a couple new places that were fun.

[monica]

Hey thanks guys - your input is very much appreciated!!!

[Melody]

I was surprised to see it posted elsewhere that Ivan's also sent a white plate vehicle to pick up tourists for dinner. Also, my last two trips, I booked airport transfers with popular licensed independent/company. Both times, the vehicle picking me up to go back to the airport had a white plate. Seems you never know what you'll be getting, even at the most reputable businesses.

[captaind]

What don't you get?

White plate = no insurance for passengers...... No matter who sent it........ The only possibility a white plate might be insured is that it's covered under an umbrella policy with the resort that sent it.......good luck with that one

Red plate = you have a leg to stand on with insurance

Cap

[JitterBug]

i've had a white plate from catch a falling star every time . . .