Juta Tour Drivers Scam

[Irie John]

On a recent trip (February/March), I took the Juta bus (large 88 passenger) from Mobay to Negril.

As we loaded up, many passengers wanted to take some beer with them for the ride.
The driver and his assistant were quite adamant & quite vocal, saying this was a bad idea. They told all the passengers; "the beer too expensive here - wait and I stop at place much cheaper on the road".

The driver did pull over at a bar on the "old' road and everyone left the bus to get beers.

The bar tender (who never smiled once) just looked at me (did not ask what I might want) and I said "One cold Red Stripe, please". He opened and handed me a lukewarm beer and said $5 (US). I sat it down on the bar and said "no thanks" he then started with his patios/bloo***** routine, to which I told him to put the beer where the sun don't shine and blankity-blank bloo***** to him too.

There were 87 passengers on the bus. 86 of them bought at least 1 and some 2-3 beers @ $5 each. Approximately 100 beers = profit of over $400 in 15 minutes.

I am sure (in my mind) the driver got a kickback.
I did not tip the driver and his assistant and told them exactly what I thought of their scam instead.

I was the only English speaking passenger on the bus. I am sure most of the other passengers were not aware of the scam.
Just a "heads-up" for those of you using Juta.
Next trip I will make sure this does not happen on my bus trip to Negril.

[Accompong]

Because it happened to you on one JUTA bus does not necessarily mean that it happens on ALL JUTA buses. Warning people is fine but painting with too wide a brush colors too much of an area and does a disservice to those who don't do it. I would suggest any people who ride JUTA (that includes me) to talk to their driver before leaving the airport about this problem (if it truly is a problem). Some problems are better left to a whisper than a megaphone.

Just my opinion.

Peace and Guidance

[Irie John]

Because it happened to you on one JUTA bus does not necessarily mean that it happens on ALL JUTA buses. Warning people is fine but painting with too wide a brush colors too much of an area and does a disservice to those who don't do it. I would suggest any people who ride JUTA (that includes me) to talk to their driver before leaving the airport about this problem (if it truly is a problem). Some problems are better left to a whisper than a megaphone.

Just my opinion.

Peace and Guidance

No where in my post do I accuse "all" Juta drivers of this scam. Obviously, (at least it should be), I can only speak of my experience and that is the "driver" and his "assistant" that I mentioned. They are the only Juta employees mentioned - they are the only ones I know.

Perhaps you need to re-read or have the post read to you before you have further comment. Your "broad brush theory" does not apply to anything I posted. Maybe your comments would be better at a whisper instead of your bold loud font.

I just want people to be aware of this scam. This driver is on the Negril route every day - it is his regular route.

I did not comment about any other Juta employees, because I do not know others.

[DConkle]

I like having my own driver. That said if the day comes when I may need to use Juta I will certainly ask questions before getting on the bus. $5 is crazy!

[NikkiB]

I've always had good experiences with Juta. We generally stop for beer and its always been cheaper than at the airport. That's too bad about your experience this trip.

[Papa Georgie]

Wow...hate that "lukewarm" part .



Thanks for the heads up.

[Big_frank]

Of course the driver who stops his bus at a bar gets a kickback. Happens in my town. Happens in Jamaica.
That's how things are done all over the world.
You think all those buses stopped at the Golden Apple all those years for no reason?

[Patricia]

Of course the driver who stops his bus at a bar gets a kickback. Happens in my town. Happens in Jamaica.
That's how things are done all over the world.
You think all those buses stopped at the Golden Apple all those years for no reason?

I like the Golden Apple, it's pricey but it's part of our vacation tradition

[Accompong]

Well, it seems that someone who takes the "cheap" ride to Negril from the airport has to pay $5.00 US for a Red Stripe and someone who takes a charter ride (Clives etc.) pays a likkle more then pays nothing for a Red Stripe (in the price of the ride) or (at least) a lot less.

One person's "scam" is another persons "cost of doing business".

Like the old oil filter ad.... "Pay me now or pay me later".

Peace and Guidance

[rooster]

Accompong....Clives (charter price) is $30 US one way per person....is extremely reasonable with or without the comped Red Strip & a non-stop ride to Negril. I say just get there & get to the bar of your choice ASAP & enjoy..it's a long enough ride as it is without stopping.