[QUOTE=Rob;33239]To clarify a few points...

ROB - I get what you are saying about tips in Route Taxis - BUT, I tip on Holidays, or if a drive makes some special accomodation for me - not excessively, just to be courteous.

Also, it was my understanding - and I have seen this in other countries besides Jamaica - that the route system more or less started informally and then as it grew, became REGULATED by the Government. I am certain that there was some informal system before the Taxi Associations were formed. And the guys often wait at one end or the other to "fill up" before moving on. That has been my experience at the Round A bout,at Wharf Road in Orange Bay and at the depot in Lucea.

"And finally, living here we do have a different take on the route taxi. Since we operate a vehicle here, we both feel a bit uncomfortable when we have to take a route taxi and pay the operator that very low rate for their service. We know the cost of operating a vehicle, the route taxi rate seems incredibly low. But once again, the route taxi system was designed to provide affordable transportation for the local population so the rate needs to be low otherwise no one could afford it. "

I understand your thoughts on the low rate vs the cost of gasoline, but believe me it works out. That's why the fares were increased. When I drove livery cab, we used to make money as long as we booked a certain amount per mile. It was feast or famine but if you know how to hustle, there is money to be made. I especially loved the train stop runs where we had a route picking up at the subway, 5 fares to a car, and dropping off in the neighborhood. It was only $1 per person but those short trips really add up. Same thing as in JA. On a good day, driver can collect >100 fares and spend less than $3000 in gas. Plus, a lot of them seem to always have a side job doing private gigs as well. They can make a living.