On the Subject of Taxis....

[rastagirl777]

"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.

[Lola]

...I do not flag a taxi down until I see a red plate.

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.

[smith744]

Getting Around Negril 101 [[ continued ]]

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Route Taxi at Night (after sundown)
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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.

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