Another Route Taxi Question

[gerryg123]

Just to avoid potential conflict, when I enter a route taxi, I say something like: "Ya mon, you're a route taxi, $100j right?" I always tip at least another 100j but often ask, if I'm the only passenger, if he would be so kind as to turn on Seastar Lane to drop me off ....

[booger]

Just to avoid potential conflict, when I enter a route taxi, I say something like: "Ya mon, you're a route taxi, $100j right?" I always tip at least another 100j but often ask, if I'm the only passenger, if he would be so kind as to turn on Seastar Lane to drop me off ....

Me too, and I let the driver know to pick up whomever along the way..

[MissBlue]

I never pay more than the price for one route to go from Hi-Lo to Catcha. I've never been asked to pay more, but good to know!

p.s. Lynntt, i'm gonna guess this is cause pretty ladies are more likely to get relaxed rules from drivers. hehe.

[Lynntt]

Yeah if you had been on the road, route rates apply.. in the parking lot is a charter.. tipping is appreciated but not expected

Oh, ok, that's what I meant, on the road. Sorry, I guess I was confused. I didn't realize you meant in the Hi-Lo parking lot. Yes, I've always been told you have to be on the main road (beach or cliffs) for the route pricing to apply. Thanks for clearing it up!

[MissBlue]

oh. Well dang Lynntt, i like my idea better. lol.

[Lynntt]

LOL at MissBlue! Some of the rules I learned on my first trip are still what I plan by, starting with only hailing route taxi's, checking the plate, knowing the fare, and having correct change. There have been many instances in my many trips that I've challenged drivers, but once they realize I know the "rules" I'm usually OK. I've chartered taxi's and had them stop to pick up friends, sometimes off the main read, and then paid them the route fare since they picked someone up. They always act surprised, but I've never had one argue once I explain that they turned it into a route situation not me. It's one thing if I'm asked if they can pick up someone, but charter means I'm paying for me and only me. My feeling is and always has been that business is business, and if a driver wants to change the rules they need to ask beforehand or I will challenge them. With a smile, of course

[bjritz]

This discussion has been very helpful. I think I'm now prepared for the "Route Taxi" section of the "Negril 101 Quiz". See if you pass:

1) If you are standing at the traffic circle in Negril which way do route taxis go?
a) Around and around
b) To the beach
c) To the cliffs
d) To a bar

2) If you are standing on the beach road looking back and forth, how much does a taxi cost?
a) 100J
b) $5.00
c) 500J
d) All of the above depending on number of passengers, red or white plate and how far you are going
e) None of the above you are just looking around

3) If you are standing across the road from Sunset After Dark Bar & Grill facing toward the long beach and a route taxi stops asking for a fare you should:
a) Pay 100J for a ride to Nirvana on the Beach
b) Pay 200J to get him to go away and walk across the street to the bar
c) Check the plate get in and tell him where you want to go and pay when you get there
d) This all depends on which way the Taxi is pointing....toward or away from the town center
e) Acknowledge this is a cliff route taxi and you'll be taken anywhere on cliff road or to the traffic circle for 100J each.

4) You've just emerged from Scotia Bank ATM with a bulge in your pocket; you are immeadiately approached by a guy offering you a ride, do you:
a) Follow him to any car and get in.
b) Politely say, "No, mon, all good.".
c) Ask him what is the best Jerk place in town.
d) Lift your cellie to your face and call your pre-arranged driver to pick you up in front of the bank.
e) Ask him to show you his car, if red plate and he's not parked in a parking lot but on the street, take him to be a cliff route driver and go back to your cliff resort.

5) Which venue is the best for finding out about route taxi customs in Negril?
a) Your driver who brings you to Negril from the airport.
b) Fodor's Travel Guide
c) The "Welcome To Negril" guide book in your hotel room
d) Negril.com/forum
e) Any boardie belly flopper

I hope you passed the test, not sure how this will be determined, but somehow I think this will be taken care of in due time.

[Marko]

that was pretty good bjritz..........

stand on the side of the road in the direction you want to go and wait for a red plate taxi to stop for you.......
if you are going from say Xtabi down to say HiLo......you say to the driver $100J's to HiLo right?
and him will say yah mon.......then you sit in the back seat......
just remember to say onestop when you approach your stop......
that is the way mi been doing it since the 80's.......always worked for this guy

Cool Runnings, Marko

[bjritz]

Thanks, Marko, good tip. Now, I have to get busy and book a trip to try it out!

[RyanP]

So, the only real transfer point is the taxi park? If I catch a cab in town (eg. ValuMaster parking lot), it will be a charter, even of it is tagged as a route taxi?