Quote Originally Posted by Kevin, PA View Post
I'm a little confused by this? The problem with the free market approach to taxi rides is that the uneducated consumer likely doesn't know what the fair market value of ride is creating an environment of confusion and suspicion that is ripe for the exploitation of some. This is not nessarrily good for business. You're suggestion is to use what is essentially a metered regulated service for better rates. If you're a free market guy then why are you suggesting someone uses the more regulated route taxi system? Also, the gypsy cabs in NYC have nothing to do with the meters and everything to do with the higher overhead costs associated with operating a legal licensed cab. Gypsy cabs in NYC are the equivalent to white plate "taxis" which exists in large numbers in Negril absent any metered cabs. I would'nt suggest a tourist use a gypsy cab in NYC anymore then a white plate in Negril.

It seems to me there is a market for all of the services being discussed. Route taxi's as the cheap public transportation option. Metered cabs for short private transport and chartered rides to meet all other needs. This way the metered service is setting the fair market value rather then the public transportation option as is the case today. All 3 services can still be offered by one driver. If you ask for local fare then you're going to get dropped off at the end of the route if you didn't get off sooner. If you ask for a metered ride you're going to pay the metered fare when you reach your destination. Maybe you want to make a few stops with signifigant idle time etc. In this case you negotiate a chartered ride which would likely be cheaper then paying for metered idle time and/or easier then catching a new cab after each stop to shop, bank, eat or whatever.
I use the fixed price route taxi system because it is FAR more economical than a charter taxi! That's just smart business, something that a free marketer knows something about..My free market approach applies to things with variable rates/pricing. Don't laugh, but I don't pay retail. Ever. Even department stores have wiggle room when it comes to clothing. You just have to ask. If you don't ask, you can't win! Example:we wanted a room at a fancy hotel in STL for a wine event. We called the front desk direct and negotiated a rate that was almost one third of the rack rate. Then when we checked in, we made nice with the front desk guy and negotiated an upgrade to a one bedroom suite, free wifi and free valet parking. You see, they had plenty of supply, but no demand, so giving me the upgrades cost them little to nothing, but created a loyal guest who will talk them up to anyone that will listen.

The free market approach to goods and services is quite simple...the price will be set at that intersection of supply and demand....a charter taxi will likely shoot you an initial price that is ten times or more higher than a route taxi....if you know what the route taxi price is for your trip, you have all the info you need to negotiate....start with twice the route price and work your way up to where that intersection is...For me, its different. I know what the route fares are and I have a good idea of what the charter rates are. If I need a charter taxi, I am prepared to negotiate and walk away if the price isn't right...there's plenty of charter taxis in Negril.

My comment about the meter was meant to show that it isn't such a good idea in Negril, and really doesn't benefit the consumer. And, being from Manhattan(via Brighton Beach), I will take a gypsy cab if the ride is more than thirty blocks or is off the island. Been doing it for 30 years...and YES it IS about the meter, or more precisely, the lack of one, the makes the gypsy cab a goer for me. That and try to find a cabbie in Manhattan that will take you to Brighton Beach at 2am! YMMV.

All this said, the system works fine in Negril. The route taxis are plentiful during the daytime and dirt cheap. Charter taxis are available for different rides. Also, you can rent a charter taxi by the hour if you want to go bar hopping! Nice to have your driver right there with you!