Amen, mi sista!
Amen, mi sista!
It's all about the economy. No offense intended.
no offense takenOriginally Posted by Rhodesresort
we just reasoning, mi fren
economy-wise,
have no fear.
don't worry yourself
afterall,
SisterP is back na tru
everything gonna be all right ----- soon --- so she-say
p.s... didn't IMF just give Jamaica a some money..??...
be hapPpy
Thanks, well said Smith and Irieworld!
If I take a taxi any where else in the world, Im not expected to buy the driver beers. I will tip, based on service, but one should not insinuate that tourists should pay more.
Ummmm, one question, if driving a taxi was such a hard way to go why do so many people do it?
I got "hipped" to the route taxi system in the early 90's and have not looked back. I've never had a driver give me an issue when I handed them the standard fare. 100JMD from me or a Jamaican - no difference, its still 100JMD.
In more recent years, as the internet became more prevalent more tourists are know about and use route taxis. So between December and April these guys can make even more money.
Rhodes, I don't see where economy is relevant here. Personally, for certain drives I still use my charter drivers. I personally try to spread it around as much as possible. But not only are route taxis convenient, they are relatively inexpensive and that gives the tourist some more money in their pocket to spend say, on a tour or a beer at your place!
I wasn't going to jump in here but... by the same logic then, because a Lobster Dinner in NYC is $100 I should make sure that I pay the same at Erica's or 3 Dives? Their menu is the "Locals" price but as a tourist I should know better and pay the going rate?
The economy is tough world-wide! We're already contributing to the Jamaican economy by booking trips to Jamaica and spending our hard-earned cash during our stays. Doesn't mean we should have to pay inflated fees just because we are "tourists"! Besides, it's rare that most of us actually just pay the going rate....most of us tip for services.
With all due respect to Smith744, the IMF loan is a double edged sword. Those loans have conditions attached that result in damage to Jamaican industries through the imposition of free trade. The percieved benefit of the loans are questionable at best.
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.
If this is the case, why not come out with a 2-tier rate then...one for the "locals" and one for the "tourist"...that way this debating about what to pay for the taxi can be eliminated. And if the driver don't want our "tourist" butt in his route taxi then stop honking at us and move on....
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