Regarding the route taxi incident that happened to Hussyband....

[Craig123]

Oh....OK let's face it ....Although the route taxi system was set up for locals, it obviously is used by the route taxi operators to make money. That means offering rides to tourists. You can't reasonably expect tourists to refuse the constant .....I mean CONSTANT offers for rides from route taxis. Are there risks? Of course there are. Although I would hesitate to "dis" Rob, it's clear that he has an obligation to support those who support him. That's simply smart commerce. We all should understand that. Some...although not myself, might suggest a conflict of interest. Despite what some might think about that, he makes very valid points. Taxi drivers can be awesome and can be an absolute highlight of a trip. Case in point ...Alfred Barrett (Jah bless his soul) or Kinglsey James, among many others...some of whom advertise on this site. The point is that taxi operators can and often do provide value far far beyond the fair they charge. I will use a taxi most often, but I will will also use the route taxi system on occasion (with some caution).

Respect.

[booger]

Good point, and as said before, many of the drivers who provide tours and airport transfers are not local to Negril, as many who work in Negril. However, Rob has to take into travelers of all skill level and if it was me I would take a similar stance. Newbies do not know the runnings and are potential marks, more than the seasoned Jamaica traveler.

With that said I will continue to leverage the route taxi system. I am selective with my rides and appreciate it when a lady is already in the vehicle as the local ladies screen their rides out of necessity. If you use them enough you will start to recognize some of the drivers and they will recognize you too. I usually negotiate a private ride and tell the driver to pick up ladies along the way so he can make extra dough and so the ladies do not have to wait.

[suzengrace]

great attitude booger.....

[original spanky]

what happened with the incident. i have not been able top locate the original post
thanks

[Lady Jane]

Spanky, its in Hussybands trip report. ' on the rock"? I think was the name of the thread

[original spanky]

thank you Lady Jane for directing me to the original post and thank you Hussyband for telling the story. i am sorry this happened to you and hope these thieves will get their punishment . i also think by telling the story you will save some of us from a similar fate . i can tell you if the driver has to take someone off the road i am out of there. thanks

[Marko]

unfortunate situation and a rarity for sure in Negril......

well mi an expat and spend half mi time now in Negril......
and as a result use the route taxis on a somewhat daily basis......
though mi have a red plate route driver that will pick mi up anywhere in Negril....
and drive mi anywhere for the taxi route fares.....
mi and the neighborhood gives him so much business.....it's in his best interest to take care of us....
one day him dropped mi off at the end of the month Farmers Market by the Roundabout......
and mi did shopping der and around town.....and he came all da way down from the Westender......
just to pick mi up....talk about service...nice guy too..
and mi take care of him....cause him take care of mi...

Cool Runnings, Marko

[heater]

Okay, just to clarify for myself and our friends joining us for their first time to Negril. It is no longer a good idea to look for a taxi with a red plate? Because that is what I was always told. So, from now on I should just always call the driver that we use when we need a ride, or use the free shuttle service that a lot of restaurants offer.

[Rob]

All Taxis have red license plates. Any other color plate means they are not a taxi at all.

But you should use the charter taxis like JUTA, JCal, Maxi and the other JTB certified drivers, and not the route taxi system that was designed with the local populace in mind, not visitors to the island.

[TrempraleauJohn]

Rob, you live their. How often do you hear of assaults on tourists by route taxis drivers? (excluding Hussyband). I used route taxis probably 15 times on my last trip. I'm confused. I never felt like I was in danger. I mean no disrespect.