On the Subject of Taxis....

[Rob]

Over the past three months I've heard at least a half a dozen stories of tourists being robbed when getting in the wrong car in Negril. On Tuesday I actually met a couple that it happened to.

Folks - when getting a taxi please be sure to get in a car with a RED PLATE. That red plate requires the driver to properly license and insure himself and his vehicle to carry passengers. This is a sizeable expense as well as a time consuming endeavor - these drivers have too much to lose should they decide to become a part-time thief.

After many discussions with residents here, I am retracting my original statement about "go ahead and use route taxis" on a regular basis. Too many tourists using this system does indeed impact Jamaicans going to and from work.

RG,

I am glad that you have retracted your previous comments in another thread about taxi rates. Living here, Lisa (Bnewb) and I both tried to explain the impact that visitors using route taxis has on the public transportation system in Negril. Based on your previous comments, being on vacation you obviously did not see the impact that visitors using route taxis can have on the residents of Negril. We live it and see it everyday and tried to explain the ramifications. I am glad that you have taken the time to ask around and find out that there are indeed issues that arise when tourists use a system that was not designed with them in mind. Lisa and I hope this does make others think before taking a route taxi just to save a buck.

While no route taxi will refuse your money since they make the same amount of money from each passenger, just because the driver will accept your money does not mean that there is no impact on the transportation needs of the residents of Negril and Jamaica.

And thanks for once again letting others know to always use a red plated taxi when traveling around Jamaica.

[Lola]

There is a style of communication to decline a ride without offense, but tourists won't know this. Some times of the day there may not be other passengers at all, between the work shifts.

Good suggestions on the banking/ATM situation.

[Rob]

There is a style of communication to decline a ride without offense, but tourists won't know this.

I think most every tourist knows the exact style of communication, all that needs to be said is "no thanks"...

[Lola]

Sure Rob, if they don't want that driver to ever stop for them again - !

[booger]

Sure Rob, if they don't want that driver to ever stop for them again - !

Is it a secret hand shake sort of thing? Pointing to the ground? Since you brought it up you might as well share.

[canuk cpl]

I think i hear a lot of things on the subject here that scream, "use common sense"! Thanks for the advice, i don't think anyone intends to put themselves,in a bad situation, but you can't be to careful anywhere you go. Cheers!