Assaulted by a cab driver?

[Melody]

If I'm not mistaken, not only was the original thread closed (that followed up the victim's Coco review) but I can't find it on the TA forum at all. I know I'm tired, but I looked for it 2 or 3 times and couldn't find it. Has it been removed? After it was closed, a new thread was started recommending using private taxis rather than route taxis because (the poster claimed) that there were two assaults this year involving route taxis. After 20 posts, the thread was closed and the OP's post was removed at the author's request. I'm wondering if he maybe realized he jumped the gun assuming "route taxis". Even the copy posted here of the private message from one of the recent victims indicated "red plate", not "route taxi".

It would be helpful for travellers to have the plate/route question confirmed, but we may never know, maybe the victims themselves are not 100% clear about it.

[Melody]

Wow, I dont see the 2nd thread this morning. Seems that everything about this assault is wiped off TA.

[Ti2m]

I find it disturbing that TA would wipe out all information concerning this incident unless they found it suspect. I agree it did not belong in a CocoLaPalm review but information like this should not be wiped clean from a TA forum. This discussion could save a life.

We’ve never had a problem with taxis in Negril although I have had some pretty aggressive drivers stop and insist they were taxi drivers and those red plates mean nothing. I just say no thank you and I keep moving. Maybe I should rent a phone and keep the #'s of a few drivers in it. That way when we are out we can give them a call for pick up.

For me ...Bnewb said it best ..."The pennies you're going to save by hopping into route cabs or strange vehicles...is simply not worth the risk."

[gerryg123]

I am wondering just how legit the red plates are compared to the white plates .... I've had some nut-jobs with both, but overall I would rate the cab service in Negril an A-minus or B-plus .... They're usually there when you need 'em, they're inexpensive, and they're often friendly and informative -- not a bad deal.

[Rob]

Gerry,

The color of the license plates determines what type of transportation class the vehicle is in. White plates are private passenger vehicles - just as the car you drive at home is a private passenger vehicle. It is not licensed or insured to carry paying passengers. Your car you drive everyday at home in not a taxi. There is no white plated vehicles in Jamaica that are legal taxis.

Red license plates are public passenger vehicles, meaning they are taxis. They are the ONLY LEGAL AND LEGIT TAXIS - all other vehicles that are acting as a taxi are illegal taxis.

[Flipadelphia26]

Hey Rob,

Just curious. Have you heard any local gossip about this? I'd think word travels fast around town. Especially when it comes to alleged crimes against tourists. Seeing as tourism is such a huge part of the local and national economy. I would think a majority of locals look down on those who make it less appealing for tourists to visit.

[Rob]

Flip,

Of course we hear the local gossip. The Negril rumor mill is always active! But there is never any point to post these rumors as they mean nothing. Facts are facts, rumors are not.

The local economy is tourism based here in Negril, so yes, the local residents do take a serious look at those who try and hurt their interests as anyone would. And contrary to what some seem to think, the police are quite active in trying to apprehend those who do harm.

[TizzyATX]

And contrary to what some seem to think, the police are quite active in trying to apprehend those who do harm.

That was the biggest ? mark for me...

[Flipadelphia26]

Flip,

Of course we hear the local gossip. The Negril rumor mill is always active! But there is never any point to post these rumors as they mean nothing. Facts are facts, rumors are not.

The local economy is tourism based here in Negril, so yes, the local residents do take a serious look at those who try and hurt their interests as anyone would. And contrary to what some seem to think, the police are quite active in trying to apprehend those who do harm.

Good Deal.

[Jamerican1]

[QUOTE=Weathermon & Mi Lady;64040]

Just saying that the post on TA did not belong where it was.

??? So what! The review was not bashing the hotel, just the opposite in fact. No forum posting concerning the issue survived a day because people feel the need to press the report button and have the information removed so that it is now only available on less known travel sites. That seems like foolishness to me.