I don't know why,Originally Posted by Rob
but everytime i read this statement
the following flashes through my little feeble pea-brain::::>>> "...The United States Constitution was not designed with Colored-people in mind..."
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm
maybe 'cause it's BlackHistoryMonth eh
be hapPpy
Wow - I've never seen the US Constitution to be trivialized to that extent, being compared to transportation system. But even so, you are comparing apples and oranges. A civil war in the mid 1800's helped to change the US Constitution and it wasnt for another 100 years or so until the civil rights movement that the words finally started to mean something in the US.
The route taxi system was implemented about 50 years ago in order to provide an affordable way for the Jamaican populace to get around. That is all it was designed to do - nothing more, nothing less. It was not designed as a basis for government....
Grabbing for straws are ya?
Negril.com - For the vacation that never ends!
Nope..!!...
the *thought* just keeps coming to my mind/brain
everytime i read that "..not designed for visitors.." statement.
be hapPpy
Yes, but my "guess" is the tourist industry in Jamaica wasn't quite as thriving then as it is now that needed to be taken into consideration. My "guess" is there were not as many tourists trying to get around to visit numerous locations in a town then as there are now. Lots of things are used differently from how they were originally intended (especially after 50 years) because times change.
Two things:
Interesting that folks are being guided to use Charter vehicles instead of route taxis, yet route taxis can also be chartered... what, exactly is the recommendation for tourists to follow???
Rob, you stated earlier that there were more charter vehicles than route taxis in Negril, yet that was not the case in your count at the Corner Bar...
One more - addendum to Smith's map of the roundabout/plazas in Negril - while the area in front of Coral Seas Plaza is often used by taxis and their customers, I don't think it is an 'official' pickup area, because when there is police presence, the cars are not there. That's why I stated in an earlier post that there are 'known' areas where one can catch a ride...
I am, and have always been in full agreement that Jamaicans should have priority in using the system.
** Smith - thanks for the 'blinking lights' mention - I think I have seen that, I will watch for it. Sometimes they beep too.
The tourism industry has been growing since it started in the 1890's. The first tourist association was formed in 1910 (Jamaica Tourist Association). The first government agency was founded in 1922 (Jamaica Tourist Trade Development Board). In 1954, the government reorganized the Development Board and called it the JTB (Jamaica Tourist Board) that we know today. JUTA (Jamaica Union of Travelers Association) was formed shortly thereafter to serve the increasing transportation needs of the ever growing tourist industry.
The government has known since the 50's that the Jamaica Public Transportation would not be able to handle the various and growing needs of the tourists, thus the need for JUTA to exist. There are now other unions serving tourism needs in addition to JUTA (JCal and Maxi to name two) as the needs of the tourism industry grow. As a sidenote, the government defines a tourist as anyone staying at least 24 hours (overnight), but not more than a year.
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The Jamaica Tourist Board has given us this regarding Jamaica Public Transportation and advice for visitors to the island:
Public transportation in Jamaica is nothing short of an exciting adventure. In Kingston, the capital city, large air-conditioned luxury coaches ply popular routes, but outside those areas, vehicles are less comfortable and arrive with less regularity. Buses, minibuses and route taxis are the primary means of transportation for the majority of people on the island, but are recommended only for the more intrepid tourist.
For travel between towns, minibuses are the way to go, and travel on a Jamaican minibus certainly makes for an interesting experience. Along the way, you will see – and hear – the real Jamaica. But prepare to compete with luggage of varying sizes and contents. On longer trips, passengers almost become a community; somehow the shared experience of being so close to a complete stranger may create an unspoken bond.
Each town in Jamaica has a designated bus park, and although the destination stands are rarely marked, fret not, conductors eager to begin their trip will find you. Keep your luggage close to you – as you would anywhere else in the world – and be sure to double-check with the driver on fares and destinations BEFORE you board.
Quite often "route taxis" – cars that drive a designated course and pick up and drop off passengers at will – are the cheapest and fastest way to get from place to place. All registered taxis in Jamaica are required by law to have red "PP" licence plates. You are advised not to board any taxi operating illegally. You needn’t worry about missing a taxi; there is usually no need to look hard for another. Just stick your hand out and wave – one will come to a screeching halt before you.
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The key points to take away from this are:
All registered taxis in Jamaica are required by law to have red "PP" licence plates. You are advised not to board any taxi operating illegally.
Be sure to double-check with the driver on fares and destinations BEFORE you board.
Buses, minibuses and route taxis are the primary means of transportation for the majority of people on the island, but are recommended only for the more intrepid tourist.
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Please remember that the route taxi was designed with the Jamaican populace in mind and is the primary means of transportation for the majority of the people on the island.
Negril.com - For the vacation that never ends!
"The situation I am referring to is when a person is on the road, and WANTS a taxi to stop for them. But a white plate pulls up first, and you know you don't want that. Or a red plate pulls up but something doesn't look or feel right about the situation. "
I understand what you are saying - again, its never happened that way for me because I do not flag a taxi down until I see a red plate.
Where I'm flagging cabs though, and this might be the same sitch for you Lola, is NOT in a tourist zone. Its usually in my neighborhood. I'm recognized by many and I recognize many drivers. Even if I'm just standing somewhere waiting on something the drivers I know will always holler out to see if I need a ride.
As far as the debate as to whether or not tourists should use the route taxi system, I'll say it again - with the advent of the internet the cat's out of the bag on this one (I was taking route taxis before anyone even knew what they were. Its only within the past several years that they were talked about here on the 'net). I can only listen to my neighbors and friends here, see their point of view and share it - you all can do what you feel is right for you. Personally, as always happens here in Jamaica, after 30 years visiting after 10 years living here part-time - I'm always learning something new. If you go around without seeing all sides of an issue, staying stubborn in your thought, what is the use of traveling? Like Rob said, its about observing and paying attention - and keeping an open mind.
At dusk or dark I can't see if it is a red or white plate until it comes near. I don't recall if you've ever experienced not wanting to get in a particular red plate vehicle that pulls up after you have flagged them down.
Last edited by Lola; 02-13-2012 at 11:53 AM.
Getting Around Negril 101 [[ continued ]]
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Route Taxi at Night (after sundown)
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I'm very familiar with
travel-ing via route-taxis at dusk/sundown, because I sleep in Lucea,
and commute regularly ---almost daily--- back & forth to Negril,
The approaching route-taxis will flash their headlights,
as a signal to potential passengers (standing roadside)
that they are available --with empty seat(s).
i like catching route-taxis at night/dusk,
because i don't need to raise my hand until i see the flicker-ing headlights
not a problem
if/when the route-taxi stops,
it's not unusual for the potential new-passenger
to peep inside the taxi,
and look-inside & eyeball the driver (and other passengers)
and decide to ride or not-ride
be hapPpy
SMITH ~ my observation is the traffic/people moving picks up around 2 / 2:30 in the afternoon.
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