Renting a car ?

[RyanP]

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.

[Bnewb]

IÂ’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, weÂ’ve had difficulty getting a route cab back to the beach from the cliffs at night. They just arenÂ’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 wasnÂ’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.
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.

[rtitle]

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.

[Joe King]

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.