Quote Originally Posted by Big_frank View Post
I don't understand the Route Taxi fascination although I sometimes take them.
For two people; it's now going to cost several hundred dollars (maybe 500 with a small tip to get from the beach to the cliffs-two rides).
I have never had to pay more than 5 or 6 dollars U.S. for a daytime charter from the beach to the Seastar Lane, plus a tip of course.
Charters are private rides. You're not picking up other passengers and holding a student on your lap during school times.
Taxis in Negril are a total bargain compared to what you would pay in North America.
In my hometown a ride from say Margaritaville to Seastar Lane would cost close to 20 dollars.
I agree with you, in premise, but I sometimes have to bargain hard for a $500 - $600J taxi ride from the cliffs to the beach (for my wife and I). Usually, I'll offer $500J upfront, and half the time I'll get a response like, "Nooo - that's a ten dollar ride!". If I don't feel like waiting for another taxi, I'll bargain a little more and usually end up paying $800J. Otherwise, I'll wait for the next one hopefully get the fare I want.

I find that it's the guys driving the beaters that usually accept the $500J offer (or counter-offer $600). The guys driving the shiny new vans always want to gouge tourists as much as they can. They probably make most of their money driving guests back to the AI's after Rick's closes.