Mostly I am the cheapest of Charlies, as most of the time I just walk, too cheap to even use a route taxi!
Mostly I am the cheapest of Charlies, as most of the time I just walk, too cheap to even use a route taxi!
Trip #59 most of February
So....Forest Charlie Gump you use my logic that a ride from the beach to the cliffs=the cost of two beers and why ride when you can drink beer for the same price?Originally Posted by poolguywindsor
BTW, I mostly lurk here....your trip reports kick @ss!
Same here. 10 bucks is 10 bucks.
Rob~ Are any of the route taxis that do a regular run along beach road approved by the JTB? I"m a little unclear on what I"m to do if I"m staying at someplace on the beach and want a quick ride down the beach road, I usually start to walk wherever I want to go but….. I know in the past a route ride can turn into a charter ride(if set a charter price upfront) but that doesn't mean its an approved JTB taxi. I understand calling an approved driver for a longer ride but are you suggesting to call from an approved list even its from the beach road?
Not to get off topic but I also want to thank you at this time looking out for us and for providing such a great place for information.
Shell,Rob~ Are any of the route taxis that do a regular run along beach road approved by the JTB? I"m a little unclear on what I"m to do if I"m staying at someplace on the beach and want a quick ride down the beach road, I usually start to walk wherever I want to go but….
Not to get off topic but I also want to thank you at this time looking out for us and for providing such a great place for information.
Route taxis are licensed and insured to carry paying passengers, thus the red license plate, but they are not approved by the JTB, the Jamaica Tourist Board. That is because they were created to handle the transportation needs of the local populace, not visitors to the island.
The system that was designed especially for visitors to Jamaica are the various unions and associations such as JUTA, JCal, Maxi and now the smaller associations being formed in nearly every parish. They are the only vehicles and drivers who have gone through the extra JTB training, inspections and have been certified by the JTB. Each of these vehicles will have a JTB sticker on their windshield and also have a red license plate to indicate that they are legally insured and licensed to carry paying passengers as well.
At virtually every establishment on the beach (and the cliffs for that matter) you will find these drivers parked out front or possibly hanging out inside the establishment. They are ready, willing and able to take you on a short run down the beach as well as longer trips. They are not route taxis and are not legally allowed to operate a route, that is why you find them parked in front of the establishments.
Just as you would with the route ride that you mentioned that you have chartered in the past, you charter this JTB approved driver to take you on that run. They will probably offer you their business card should you need their services at a later date. This is also a great way to obtain a set of numbers of drivers for those late night outings. You would be able to call them to run you back to the hotel when the shows are over.
Negril.com - For the vacation that never ends!
Rob, if I am reading this correctly, in a situation where a tourist is looking for a ride at the last minute, and they are walking along the road, and a taxi beeps at them to offer a ride, the tourist should really only hire the drivers with red plates AND a JTB sticker on their windshield? (nice run on sentence, eh?) The tourists should really avoid the true route taxis to help ensure their safety?
Johio
Thanks Rob! You know..I've seen the cars and drivers you mentioned parked outside of restaurants etc, but I always assumed they were the freelance uninsured drivers that I've always avoided. Learn something new all the time on here! I am a little sad that I no longer will hop in a route taxi as freely as I use to, enjoyed the experience.
Learned so much as a member of this board. First trip we stayed AI afraid to venture out other than guided tours. Discovered this board and next trip got more adventurous. Didn't know squat about red plates or anything related on the 2nd trip. Grabbed any driver who stopped for us. Had a ball and was lucky. Reading about incidents here on this board has educated us about red plates and route taxis (actually thought route taxis were ok as long as they had red plates). Sad for the honest route drivers as this will cost them to loose some business. We have had gut feeling experiences in our travels to Negril. We listen to our instincts and so far have been very safe. There is danger in all countries even home if you let your guard down or venture in the wrong place. We will continue to visit and learn as we go. Good to hear Mr Husssyband got his licks in. Hopefully the damages will cost that thief more than he took.
Good advice Rob, we have used route taxis a few times but we did not flag them down, I figured they were having a slow day so were looking to pick up some fares and most likely get more from tourist, not sure if we really should e using them t all now, We never felt un safe but couple times were crambed in with their family members but never a bus experience but probaby we should just wave them on. Usally when that happene we r either going from the cliffs to the beach or visa versa
No word yet if the authorities caught these two creeps?
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