Isn't that the entire point of Rob's post. He is attempting to let people know about the different taxi services the best way he can. It's not like he can call all 2 million people that visit JA each year to let them know. And Rob is not saying that people can not use the route taxis, he is letting people know that the taxis with JTB tags are specifically meant for tourists and are the safest route to go with.Originally Posted by Craig123
Coral Cove (Little Bay) '08, Rooms '09, CCLP '10, Sunquest '11, CCLP '12, Palms '13, Fun Holiday '14, Palms and Seastar '15
I'm not attacking Rob here. Yes that's Rob's point of the post and I don't disagree with his intent. A drop in the bucket is better than a dry bucket. I personally have and will continue to use the route taxi system on occasion. Many others will also make that informed choice while many many many others are oblivious. That's all.
Respect.
I would say 9 out of 10 visitors wouldn't have a clue that a Lilliput taxi shouldn't be on a route in Negril.
Personally, if I even noticed that route marking; I probably wouldn't think anything was wrong.
(and I've been to Jamaica a dozen times and I think I've seen that marking before perhaps in Trelawny or on the way there)
But thanks to this incident and Rob's posts about the situation; I will be very, very careful about taking a route taxi from here on in.
I'm not ruling it however.
It's just that travelling as a couple, a charter taxi that takes you right to your door (not the side of the road by the laneway or long driveway to your residence) only costs a little more if you negotiate.
Those guys dozing at the roadside waiting for a fare will do some amazing deals if you have experience negotiating.
I just know this. In my city it takes a 20 dollar bill in a metered taxi to go across town. In Negril, it takes less than 10 dollars.
Last edited by Big_frank; 11-17-2013 at 12:39 AM.
Rob, I appreciate that you are using this thread to try and educate..every little piece of advice when traveling abroad is welcomed and needed.
"Never Sit With Your Back to The Door!
Thanks Rob. I have learned a lot from this thread. REALLY! Will in the future rely on the red plates waiting at the resorts only. To save a few bucks is not worth the chances especially since I often am under the influence of too many RS. I thought that I was "savvy" but realize that I was careless. See you in Feb......Respect
Rob-what is a fair amount to offer a driver from hotel on beach to cliff restaurant for a round trip for 2? And should you pay for the whole trip on the way back? Got ripped off last year going from Coco to the German Bar by a driver who advertises on this board. He accepted $15 RT. Gave him $10 when we arrived but he never came back for us. In April we just either stuck to the beach or only went to those restaurants who offered rides both ways. We of course still gave a good tip each way. I find the taxi system stressful. I do have someone in mind for our upcoming trip so just need to know a fair amount.
In this situation, most drivers will tell you to just pay the whole thing when they pick you up. If they request money up front, tell them you will pay them in full when they return you to your hotel. That assures that they come back.
$15 RT is a fair price for an evening trip. If you're going deeper into the West End, the driver may ask for $20, but you can negotiate from there.
I can only imagine that the drivers on negril.com transportation section are going to benefit greatly from this thread.
Don't forget that a lot of restaurants offer at least one way transport. Call ahead.
Thanks MikeD. I wasn't sure if that was enough now that route taxi's raised their rates.
Dash- yes free to get there and then $20 back. It all comes out the same as paying for a R/T. A few like SeaStar and Ciao Jamaica offer R/T (at least they did in Apr) but like Kik says not it is certainly not worth $20 to go for a cheap meal at the little places.
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