Having just returned from my first trip I must say the taxi system was the most confusing part of the trip. We were almost always asked if we needed a taxi whenever leaving any establishment. Several times we were laughed at when we requested a red plate which was often followed by "you're in Jamaica mon...it don't matter?" One time when we prearranged free pickup and drop off we were picked up in a red plate but was given a white plate ride home. A guest at our hotel also recommended the driver he has used for years who also didn't have a red plate. To make things even more confusing, the difference in fare we were being offered for white plate vs. what we ended up paying for a red plate was fairly significant. We really started to question the importance of taking a red plate in every case.
The first time we took a taxi we wanted a "chartered" ride so I just asked how much to take us to the nearest cambio and back. The driver was not interested in negotiating in any way until we got in. I was pleasantly surprised at what the driver's requested rate was once we were done with our trip and even threw in a tip. It was pretty much the same case when we took a cab to the beach from our hotel on the cliffs, with a stop in between, so we started getting comfortable just hopping in. On our return ride from the beach, also with a stop in between, we were asked to pay much more then any of the other rides. Even so the rate was cheaper then I've paid in the states for a similar ride.
The one thing we realized after a few trips around town is that things are much more closer then we expected and during future trips we will certainly get to many more places that we missed out on this time by walking. We probably would have went to more places this trip if the taxi system was more predictable but the cabs in Vegas are predictable and it cost me $20 to go to a casino that I could see but didn't want to cross the Vegas strip in my condition.
Speaking of casinos, the whole route taxi deal reminds me of the jitney system in Atlantic City, NJ. Most tourists in Atlantic City either walk or take cabs to get around. However, those who want a cheap ride can hop a jiney which is a small bus that runs routes to nearby casinos for around a $1. It's primarily used by the many hotel and casino workers but is also used by tourists "in the know" as a cheap alternative to cabs.
In my opinion if your on such a tight budget that you have to worry about the cost of an occasional cab ride then maybe you should rethink your travel plans. On the other hand I wouldn't begrudge anyone using the cheaper ride if it works for them. I guess what I'm saying is "don't worry about it mon......your in Jamaica!"
