Shell,Originally Posted by 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….. 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.
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.
