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

[smith744]

...beach road drivers being $o con$iderate in following the law$...

lol
lol
lol
i like that euphomism:::>>> con$iderate
lol
lol

i've sat-in at Ja-traffic court
lol
lol
lol
it AIN'T pretty
lol
lol
lol

[smith744]

Good point Smith744...I dont travel to negril too much anymore-so wasnt aware the beach road drivers being so considerate in following the laws...Thats good to know..

you reminded me of one-more something::::::::

on that WestEnd (the best-end {{as i'm/we're frequently reminded}}) taxi-route, things can-go a likkle-likkle *different* sometimes, under some situations, at certain times, depending on circumstances, how dark it is, etc etc.

'cause parts of that road are more *residential* in nature than the BeachRoad, every-now-&-then you *might* see a slightly-slightly border-ing on almost illegal capacity.

*whew*
i hope i typed/said that properly
*whew*

gotta be careful

[smith744]

It's worth pointing out again though... I broke nearly every rule in this situation.,

NO you did NOT..!!...

*THEY* '..broke..' the rule(s)..!!..

..dem criminals ... bandits .... pure-evil...

do NOT worry ya-selves

Etana, one of my favorite singers, has a song about '..retribution..'
...trus me ---- retribution WILL come *their* way

enjoy enjoy enjooooooooooooooy ya trip

[suzengrace]

i have alot of respect for you husyyband-in telling your story and being so honest and humble about it....Life is all about learning,and no doubt many people on this board learned a lot from you sharing a horrible experience....I also really admire your ability to go on with your vacation (and life) and not let it be ruined by this horrible ordeal-I can imagine some people would be wanting to get on the first plane out of MBJ and never come back -much respect to you and your wife....

[suzengrace]

smith-your the best....

[Lola]

So helpful to read the info about taxis marked for routes outside of the local area. Although I haven't had rides in any, I have seen such vehicles in Negril. They caught my attention but at the time I couldn't put my finger on it. Now that this incident has happened I understand what my brain was trying to tell me: this is something I haven't learned about and take notice not to venture where I do not know.

On the topic of charters: there is a (red plate JTB) charter van driver by ValueMaster I have used many times to carry me back after I have completed my errands in town. Recently I wasn't feeling up to par so I had him pick me up and wait while I shopped at each location. I was amazed how much faster, easier and less-tiring it was to get through my list, which more than made up for the reasonable (but additional to my budget) cost.

I know it can get to feeling expensive for 1-2 people to use a charter driver but as has been noted earlier in this thread, what you 'save' in personal wear-and-tear really is worth it.

[Lady Jane]

Smith, thats quite a visual, all piled up in the hatchback. :-)

[Yvonne]

That hatchback packing beats my most crammed ride in Negril... well over 20 years ago. Had been up in the West End at a venue for some live reggae & was headed back to the beach. The driver kept picking up & dropping off people along the way. At one point, while still in the West End... in front: driver & 3 passengers (one on the laps of the 2 on the seat); in back: 4 seated & 3 on the laps of the seated passengers. Shifting was done at times to put the smaller, lighter weight passengers on laps. Oh, the stories from back in the day.

[Kevin, PA]

I've always used Rob's advice and have mostly used Taxi's\drivers recommend by either the establishment I'm at or those that advertise on this board. If you liked their service get their number and keep it handy and give them a call whenever your looking for a ride. Keep a couple of numbers in case your first choice is not available. You will find that as you use the same driver(s) again and again you will be spared the hassle of negotiating a price each time. You will eventually come to an understanding. Call your favorite driver and let them know your in town each trip. Many will remain pretty much "on call" for you for the duration of your trip. I've found most will cater to you as much as possible once you established that relationship and you won't likely find yourself having the issues discussed above. Not only will you be using trusted drivers but those drivers have much more to gain from the ongoing business relationship then they ever would in breaking that relationship.

[booger]

I've always used Rob's advice and have mostly used Taxi's\drivers recommend by either the establishment I'm at or those that advertise on this board. If you liked their service get their number and keep it handy and give them a call whenever your looking for a ride. Keep a couple of numbers in case your first choice is not available. You will find that as you use the same driver(s) again and again you will be spared the hassle of negotiating a price each time. You will eventually come to an understanding. Call your favorite driver and let them know your in town each trip. Many will remain pretty much "on call" for you for the duration of your trip. I've found most will cater to you as much as possible once you established that relationship and you won't likely find yourself having the issues discussed above. Not only will you be using trusted drivers but those drivers have much more to gain from the ongoing business relationship then they ever would in breaking that relationship.

This is one of my favorite post ever. Big ups to Rob for keeping it real. A tourist needs to understand what to look out for. I can honestly say that these incidents are few and far between, at least in my experience.