I love route taxis

[Alisa]

We have been approx 12 trips to Negril since 1993 and I am just learning in the last 2 yrs from this sight to take red plated taxi only and how the taxi system works. We have always offered about 7 dollars to take us(2adults and child) from White Sands to Xtabi, have never had anyone say no and have always hoped it was enough. I may have taken a charter and not known because last year was the only time I really paid attention and made sure it was a route and red plated taxi. Now after reading this year about the crime involving route taxi and how I should really be using charter I would like to know more about how to spot a charter. I am assuming if it is red plated and doesn't say route taxi that it is a charter? It would be helpful if a charter taxi would come and post here stating what his fare is from point A to point B. I know how this can be difficult as many locations to pick up and drop off but really would help those of us that want to ride safe and be paying a fair price. We never have phone to call so just start walking and wait for red plate to stop. Do charters just cruise around like the routes looking for someone to pick up? Many cars stopping and honking to see if you need ride so I first look to see if it has red plate so now must I make sure it doesn't say route? Ohh just when I think I have it down 😳

[Accompong]

We have been approx 12 trips to Negril since 1993 and I am just learning in the last 2 yrs from this sight to take red plated taxi only and how the taxi system works. We have always offered about 7 dollars to take us(2adults and child) from White Sands to Xtabi, have never had anyone say no and have always hoped it was enough. I may have taken a charter and not known because last year was the only time I really paid attention and made sure it was a route and red plated taxi. Now after reading this year about the crime involving route taxi and how I should really be using charter I would like to know more about how to spot a charter. I am assuming if it is red plated and doesn't say route taxi that it is a charter? It would be helpful if a charter taxi would come and post here stating what his fare is from point A to point B. I know how this can be difficult as many locations to pick up and drop off but really would help those of us that want to ride safe and be paying a fair price. We never have phone to call so just start walking and wait for red plate to stop. Do charters just cruise around like the routes looking for someone to pick up? Many cars stopping and honking to see if you need ride so I first look to see if it has red plate so now must I make sure it doesn't say route? Ohh just when I think I have it down 

Any route taxi that doesn't have a passenger already on board is a potential "charter" and some will "charter" after leaving off the passenger.

For the most part, they don't cruise around looking for charters but will rarely turn one down as beating the heck out of your car to go back and forth a bazillion times is pointless if you can make a day's wages or more with one comfortable trip.

There are some "recommended" prices for charters to certain destinations but feel free to barter for a good price. Nothing wrong with saving a buck or two and if it is too likkle I am sure the taxi driver will let you know and offer a higher price.

Peace and Guidance

[Kiknback]

We have been approx 12 trips to Negril since 1993 and I am just learning in the last 2 yrs from this sight to take red plated taxi only and how the taxi system works. We have always offered about 7 dollars to take us(2adults and child) from White Sands to Xtabi, have never had anyone say no and have always hoped it was enough. I may have taken a charter and not known because last year was the only time I really paid attention and made sure it was a route and red plated taxi. Now after reading this year about the crime involving route taxi and how I should really be using charter I would like to know more about how to spot a charter. I am assuming if it is red plated and doesn't say route taxi that it is a charter? It would be helpful if a charter taxi would come and post here stating what his fare is from point A to point B. I know how this can be difficult as many locations to pick up and drop off but really would help those of us that want to ride safe and be paying a fair price. We never have phone to call so just start walking and wait for red plate to stop. Do charters just cruise around like the routes looking for someone to pick up? Many cars stopping and honking to see if you need ride so I first look to see if it has red plate so now must I make sure it doesn't say route? Ohh just when I think I have it down 

That is where a lot of the debate comes from. If I understand Rob's view correctly, every taxi you have ever taken in Negril has been unsafe, and the only safe way to get around is to use a known, trusted driver. You cannot simply get a random red plate.

[Rob]

That is where a lot of the debate comes from. If I understand Rob's view correctly, every taxi you have ever taken in Negril has been unsafe, and the only safe way to get around is to use a known, trusted driver. You cannot simply get a random red plate.

No, it seems you do not understand my view at all. I really wish you would read what I have stated in these threads a little more closely before putting word in my mouth that I have never said and never meant. Here is a quote from November that I re-quoted here once already:

"As I have stated, the majority of route taxi operators are hard working, honest and decent drivers trying to make a living. But you, as a visitor, do not have the years and years of daily experience with the route taxi system that all Jamaicans living here have - it is second nature to them. They instinctively know which taxis to use and not to get in, they were taught this as a child. There is no visitor to the island that has that same ability, and sometimes that even fails experienced Jamaicans."

[smith744]

................. It would be helpful if a charter taxi would come and post here stating what his fare is from point A to point B. ..................

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my-friend & fellow-boardie,
that is sooooooooooooooo true-true:::: it would be VERY *helpful*, indeed.

but THAT will NEVER happen..!!!!..

lol
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self-SAY:::>>> "...ain't this a *funny* thread...??..."
mi-SAY:::>>>> "...yep yep .... 'tis hilarious.."