this video *might* be helpful
recorded on my August/September 2011 trip
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this video *might* be helpful
recorded on my August/September 2011 trip
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be hapPpy
Smith! Great videos! And it answered my questions! And confirmed what I felt the drivers themselves would say. I
We'll be trying the route taxis for sure, hope we meet Michael, he was a good sport!
Awaiting our return to Negril, 07/01/12
Nuff said!! Good job Smith744. I'm with the boardie above....hope one day to meet Michael..Nice, nice man indeed.
Has anyone ever taking a route taxi/bus from the MoBay parking lot as well as the one in Sav and Falmouth ??? They will NOT leave until the vehicle is filled to capacity and then some...They could care less if your a local, tourists, etc..they're just glad another body to fill it up and fill it up Now...
" Ones destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things." (Henry Miller)
Why dont the charters have a set rate?? (which of course could be open to negotiation depending on the trip you request) Ie, charters have a set rate for set routes..Mid-beach to mid-cliffs, etc?? maybe that would prevent some of the obvious fleecing and plain confusion that the tourists (who are suppose to use them)
have to deal with and thus keeps them away from using them in the first place( and also getting out and about and spending money in other areas of the local economy)..If their MEANT for the tourists then why not have a set rate that tourists can depend on in regards to certain and most frequently used routes that Tourists use???? Why not make them more "Tourists friendly" ???
Last edited by suzengrace; 02-04-2012 at 03:58 AM.
" Ones destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things." (Henry Miller)
Charters don't have set rates because, by their nature, they are private carriages and can set their rates at what the market will bear. If you don't like the rate, use a route taxi, or don't whine about the fare! At least they aren't metered. Wait, you say, meters are good, they keep the cabbie honest. Feh, they charge you 2.50 for the privilege of dropping the flag, then charge you in 1/10th mile increments, and has a timer that adds fare for long stops at lights, etc...Thus, if its is raining in STL and i want a cab to go one mile, it will set me back almost 5 bucks for 8 blocks, FFS! I'd rather negotiate, I am a free market economy type of guy....for five bucks, i can go r/t from the 7mile to HalfMoonBeach, including a generous tip! Metered cabs are only good for the metered cab, not the public. Why do you think there are almost as many gypsy cabs in NYC as licensed cabs? No meters!Originally Posted by suzengrace
"Enjoy Every Sandwich"-Warren Zevon
I'm a little confused by this? The problem with the free market approach to taxi rides is that the uneducated consumer likely doesn't know what the fair market value of ride is creating an environment of confusion and suspicion that is ripe for the exploitation of some. This is not nessarrily good for business. You're suggestion is to use what is essentially a metered regulated service for better rates. If you're a free market guy then why are you suggesting someone uses the more regulated route taxi system? Also, the gypsy cabs in NYC have nothing to do with the meters and everything to do with the higher overhead costs associated with operating a legal licensed cab. Gypsy cabs in NYC are the equivalent to white plate "taxis" which exists in large numbers in Negril absent any metered cabs. I would'nt suggest a tourist use a gypsy cab in NYC anymore then a white plate in Negril.
It seems to me there is a market for all of the services being discussed. Route taxi's as the cheap public transportation option. Metered cabs for short private transport and chartered rides to meet all other needs. This way the metered service is setting the fair market value rather then the public transportation option as is the case today. All 3 services can still be offered by one driver. If you ask for local fare then you're going to get dropped off at the end of the route if you didn't get off sooner. If you ask for a metered ride you're going to pay the metered fare when you reach your destination. Maybe you want to make a few stops with signifigant idle time etc. In this case you negotiate a chartered ride which would likely be cheaper then paying for metered idle time and/or easier then catching a new cab after each stop to shop, bank, eat or whatever.
Blue Cave Castle '12, '13 '14 '15 '16 Catcha Falling Star '13 Boardwalk Village '14 '15
I use the fixed price route taxi system because it is FAR more economical than a charter taxi! That's just smart business, something that a free marketer knows something about..My free market approach applies to things with variable rates/pricing. Don't laugh, but I don't pay retail. Ever. Even department stores have wiggle room when it comes to clothing. You just have to ask. If you don't ask, you can't win! Example:we wanted a room at a fancy hotel in STL for a wine event. We called the front desk direct and negotiated a rate that was almost one third of the rack rate. Then when we checked in, we made nice with the front desk guy and negotiated an upgrade to a one bedroom suite, free wifi and free valet parking. You see, they had plenty of supply, but no demand, so giving me the upgrades cost them little to nothing, but created a loyal guest who will talk them up to anyone that will listen.
The free market approach to goods and services is quite simple...the price will be set at that intersection of supply and demand....a charter taxi will likely shoot you an initial price that is ten times or more higher than a route taxi....if you know what the route taxi price is for your trip, you have all the info you need to negotiate....start with twice the route price and work your way up to where that intersection is...For me, its different. I know what the route fares are and I have a good idea of what the charter rates are. If I need a charter taxi, I am prepared to negotiate and walk away if the price isn't right...there's plenty of charter taxis in Negril.
My comment about the meter was meant to show that it isn't such a good idea in Negril, and really doesn't benefit the consumer. And, being from Manhattan(via Brighton Beach), I will take a gypsy cab if the ride is more than thirty blocks or is off the island. Been doing it for 30 years...and YES it IS about the meter, or more precisely, the lack of one, the makes the gypsy cab a goer for me. That and try to find a cabbie in Manhattan that will take you to Brighton Beach at 2am! YMMV.
All this said, the system works fine in Negril. The route taxis are plentiful during the daytime and dirt cheap. Charter taxis are available for different rides. Also, you can rent a charter taxi by the hour if you want to go bar hopping! Nice to have your driver right there with you!
"Enjoy Every Sandwich"-Warren Zevon
I agree that the system works fine. I was able to get to where I needed to go just fine. How it could work better is up for debate. You and many others are approaching it from a different prospective then the first time or very casual traveler who doesn't want to taking a cab seem more like dealing with a used car salesman.
Lets just agree it works fine as is and leave it at that.
Blue Cave Castle '12, '13 '14 '15 '16 Catcha Falling Star '13 Boardwalk Village '14 '15
If you live in Jamaica like, suzengrace, who can't afford an automobile, can't afford a private charter, then (of course), a route taxi is available for her. Whether it be red or white plate.
If your a foreigner, who, cannot afford to rent an automobile during your vacation, cannot afford a charter taxi, then (of course), a route taxi is the only way to go. Again, whether it be red or white plate, "the system works in the favor of both"!
Just keep in mind that locals know the drivers well as they travel during the day to get to work, and travel late into the night. When a red plate is full, or is not going as far as the desired destination, then the risk is taken in a white plate with no passenger insurance. Keep in mind the reason why "white" uninsured plates are on the road conducting illegal taxi services. It's because the people are desperate to put a roof over their heads, food on their tables, and need affordable transportation. White plates are used by foreigners constantly and the risk is usually "unbeknownst" to them. SO, the "system DOES NOT WORK" in everyone's favor. Death with no coverage occurs all the time.
Yes, every bit helps if foreigners take route taxis. All we are saying is as long as foreigner's understand "the system", whether it be red or white plate taxis, just don't use them because they are "dirt cheap".
Just give a little more than the "dirt cheap" rate if you have it. No discrimination or "heated argument" here please. Jamaica is a beautiful place to vacation and the whole economy is based on tourism. It's Jamaica's bread and butter.
Best regards to all.
Last edited by Rhodesresort; 02-05-2012 at 11:02 AM.
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