Just FYI, I spent my last few weeks in Jamaica without a car. I found that I loved *not* having a car. I learned to use the route taxi system. That plus bicycle proved to be a great (and inexpensive) way to get around. I felt more like a Jamaican, and more in touch with my surroundings, once I started getting around like Jamaicans do.
Renting and driving is a personal choice. I personally don’t want the added responsibility and stress of operating a vehicle in a foreign country when all I want to do is kick back and relax.
Navigating in a foreign place is difficult enough if things are going well. Don’t want to imagine the no end of grief should something occur. Whether it’s your fault or not it can really ruin your day /vacation.
Just not worth it imho. For a couple bucks for a cab... Grab a cold one, grab a lift and be worry free.
I’m familiar with the route taxi service. The problem is flagging one down that is actually on their route. Many times route cabs are off their route trying to charge charter prices. It has caused a problem for me in the last. Also, we’ve had difficulty getting a route cab back to the beach from the cliffs at night. They just aren’t around as much as the day. The route taxi system is great, in theory. Due to the drivers treating tourists differently, and the lack of taxis at night, it can actually be stressful trying to get around. Wish it wasn’t that way.
You can easily read on the side of the taxi whether it's on the correct route. Just don't get into a taxi that's not on the correct route, if you don't want to charter them.Originally Posted by RyanP
Jamaicans also can & do charter taxis if needed...same as tourists they negotiate the price.
When we need to taxi around at night...we carry a couple of drivers names/ph.numbers & give them a call as needed...we don't even think about taking a route taxi at night nor do many Jamaicans.
Also...the bartenders, restaurant personnel etc. are always willing to find you a ride...just tell them what you want to pay so you're not getting that $40us driver.
Think of the route taxis as akin to buses in the US or Canada. I just use them to get between towns, from bus terminal to bus terminal, When I do that they treat me like they'd treat any Jamaican. E.g. I squeeze into a seat in the Sav->Negril route taxi and pay my 200J for the 25km ride, and sit back and relax and enjoy. I avoid private taxis for exactly the reason you describe, Ryan. They want to charge me tourist prices and it turns into a hassle. For within-town rides I just use my bicycle.
True that. I find the taxi dude going to the west end restaurant is hoping for the return fare. However, if your wanting a route taxi to return, expect to pay charter price, bearing in mind the price is usually higher later in the west end due to lack of a competition (no body hangs in the west end other than maybe at 3 dives).. There is literally no red plate to flag down. Restaurants recognize the problem and often offer free pickup but usually one way only.
I realize the route is on the car, but I can’t see that until they stop. Then, I have to shoo them away, which isn’t always the easiest. It’s route taxis looking for tourists to pay charter fares. Taking the route taxis between towns makes sense, but it is a bit of a hassle in town. I don’t mind it if I am traveling by myself, but with my wife it’s just a bit of pain.
Last edited by RyanP; 01-21-2020 at 02:06 PM.
Ryan, I experienced the same issues as you, but as years go by it seems easier. I'm sure it's just that I'm getting more comfortable with the system. As drivers pull up, I just say "Route cab to ...?" and they either say yes or drive on. In general, the only issue is with non-taxis (white plate cars) trying to sell me rides. But even going out of town, I don't think it has taken us more than 10 minutes to find a route cab going where we're headed. For evening use, I do keep a few numbers of cab drivers on my phone. And I know this is controversial, but I always tip, which amounts to splitting the difference between the route cab rate and the charter rate.
wrtiii, I am with you on this. Sometimes I think I used to try too hard to avoid situations like dealing with Route Taxis but after many years, it just became second nature. I don't have a problem waving off non-taxis and any Red Plate that pulls up and doesn't have the route on the side where I am going, I clarify if it is operating as a route taxi and if not, how much is the charge. If it is reasonable, I take it and if not, I wave him off too.
It doesn't take much effort and the savings is substantial over the month or more vacations I take each year. I have at least 5 or so phone numbers to call when I need a ride somewhere and negotiate from there but most are my friends so I get a good price straight off anyways.
Also, I don't think tipping a little is that controversial. If I get into a Route Taxi that isn't full, I often offer to pay a little brawta for an extra seat for comfort (like the front passenger seat). Sometimes I even offer to pay the person's fare who is already in the front seat if they let me sit there instead of in the back of the car.
Just my opinion.
Free Opinions Offered. No tipping required. Hours: Open when I feel like it.
We have been following this post. Is there anywhere in Negril to rent a car for a few days just to have the freedom to enjoy the area ? We don’t need a car the whole week.
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