How much from airport to TB?

Treasure Beach Forum: TB Runnin's: How much from airport to TB?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Need to know on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 02:50 pm: Edit Post

Please how much does it cost to be picked up at MoBay airport and transported to TB? Is it a per person cost or, for example, if it's three people or a couple, is the cost the same?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Denny on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 - 06:24 pm: Edit Post

$135 for one to four people riding together. Plus a tip for the driver.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MikeyMike on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 12:36 pm: Edit Post

$135US is to high. More like $120US, but you can probably bargain for $110US (1-4 people).
The more people the less it should be per person.
NEVER tip a Jamaican taxi driver ! They drive for themselves and keep all the money, unless you arranged a ride through a hotel are resort.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TBNet on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 05:08 pm: Edit Post

This topic was discussed recently here.

And we remind people to be respectful of other's opinions and be polite when posting here. Rude or disrespectful messages will not be approved.

-TBNet


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 07:03 pm: Edit Post

What I try is to never assume things. Many drivers are driving a vehicle owned by someone else and just get a small portion of the total cost as the bulk earned will go to the owner.

Or it may be their own vehicle and they are struggling to pay the loan off. Average interest rate for a car loan here is 18.25%.

What I've always tried to do is reward good service with a tip. But maybe that comes from being in the service industry for so many years and appreciating it when I receive good service.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathy on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 08:11 pm: Edit Post

Ok,my two cents again. Even if the driver has his own car the roads here beat the car up no matter how careful the driver is. As long as the driver doesn't try to cheat me and is a good driver I agree with Rebecca if the service is good it deserves some sort of tip.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By T. on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 08:26 pm: Edit Post

Having lived for years with a bartender, I find myself regularly tipping way more than other people. I always tip my TB drivers. How not? Would I want to be the one navigating those roads, avoiding the sometimes less-than-careful drivers? Hardly. Even if I'm only tipping 10 or 15% on the ride, it's not that much additional money that I can't extend that courtesy.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By dj on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 10:10 pm: Edit Post

To Mikey Mike. NEVER tip a driver?..and try to barter the price down?

Please keep in mind ,the driver puts in at least a 6-8 hour day, depending on delays at the airport,and conditions on the hazardous road. Then ,there is the cost of gas for the round trip, frequent repairs, flat tires, Prices are dear.Car Insurance. car loan payments.etc

Often, they stop along the way to accommodate the visitors.
They may only get one or two trips a week, and certainly cannot put all the money in their pocket!

Respect due, to the drivers.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By True Story on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 07:37 am: Edit Post

True story.

Driver went to MoBay to pick up family at airport. Arrival of plane kept getting delayed. Driver waited nearly 24 hours at airport. Felt very bad for family because they had two children. Slept in his van. Family arrived. Not upset but very happy because airline had provided them with food vouchers and free round-trip tickets for another trip to compensate them for their inconvenience. Family didn't even apologize to driver. Didn't even offer to pay extra or tip driver or buy him a soft drink.

Driver very disappointed. Rightly so. Had someone else take family back to airport. Family didn't understand why.

Know this is an extreme example. Know driver learned his lesson and now charges extra for ridiculous delays.

Some people have no manners or respect for others. They are dense and don't even understand how their selfishness affects others.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tyusedney on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 11:35 am: Edit Post

How's that saying go?..opinions are like (fill in the blank) everybody's got one.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Surprised on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 02:34 pm: Edit Post

Am surprised there weren't even stronger comments about not tipping - which I find totally unfair unless someone gave you bad service. When I go on vacation I always have some extra money to take care of service people.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MikeyMike on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 11:32 am: Edit Post

I am all for RESPECTING the drivers. If I stop for food and drink they are included at no cost to them. However, it is the drivers that set the price for the trip.It is not my responsibility for all that is required to operate and drive a taxi. Nor are the bad roads and bad driving habits my responsibility. If a driver accepts the price that I offer, then all is settled. No need to tip unless you request a special service that is not included in the original deal.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 07:53 pm: Edit Post

To True Story. When I was a taxi driver going to Mobay I had something very similar happen. It wasn't quite 24 hours but very close. I spent extra money on food and drink as I was in Mobay for so long. Bought some snacks and drinks for the guests knowing they were going to arrive so late and nothing would be open. Got to TB at 4 in the morning and that was that.

No tipping is not required, but when someone goes above and beyond it is nice to be appreciated.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By TB.Net on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 06:27 am: Edit Post

Please remember when posting:

No personal attacks. When writing a post, you should extend the same courtesy and respect that you would when speaking face to face with a person or group of people. It's certainly all right to disagree with a person's point of view, but to flame /incite them for different/unpopular ideas is just not acceptable. We promote free-speech and the open exchange of ideas as long as that speech does not infringe upon the rights of others or cause harm to persons or their reputations.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mnken on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 09:08 am: Edit Post

Different countries have different attitudes towards tipping abroad. My driver, Ranny (876-853-2058) happens to not be affiliated with Treasure Tours. I love this man like a brother! As the ride to a hotel on vacation can be as exciting of a time for some of us as, say, a boat tour, it is a vital part of a vacation. In my twenty something trips to Jamaica, I have had all kinds. One time I could see the road through the rusted out floorboards. The guy couldn't hear me try to tell him to turn down the radio due to it being so loud. That was the ride from hell as he sped around curves with his bald tires squeeling.
The fare is for transportation from point A to point B. I have my driver stop at the grocery store (45 minutes) stop so I can eat (30 minutes) stop to exchange money (15 minutes) stop to get something to drink and use a bathroom (15 minutes). So I have just added 1 3/4 hoours to the trip. And he does all this with a smile on his face and never makes me feel like I am inconveniencing him. Tipping my driver is the best spent tip that I give all vacation.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By T.B on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 10:43 am: Edit Post

This topic was well discuss already ,my suggestion is to try and get the phone number of some of
mini-van operater call them and try to negotiate the lowest price ,you has the right to make an offer.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MikeyMike on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 12:04 pm: Edit Post

I totally agree that a tip is appropriate when special service is given. But to hire a driver from the airport for a direct drive to TB does not require a tip. The posts by True Story and Mnken should require a tip.
It is also customary to bargain taxi fares in Jamaica. When bargaining both the driver and the passenger is trying to get the best fare for himself. The driver will not take less then his minimum for a profit, and the passenger will not pay more then what he determines is fair for him.
When a price is agreed upon, both driver and passenger should be satisfied.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ohliz on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 05:02 pm: Edit Post

"No need to tip unless you request a special service that is not included in the original deal."

That has always been a bit of a quandary to me. Not necessarily in dealing with TB drivers but in Jamaica in general a taxi trip or tour is usually preceded by a price inquiry and perhaps negotiation and a price is set.

Now is THAT the price or is it expected that it is that price plus a tip?

I never know...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By T. on Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 07:54 pm: Edit Post

MikeyMike, do you not tip in restaurants? The restaurant sets the price and the wait staff are 'only' providing the service that is included in the original deal. What's the difference?

I guess we just have different opinions on this one, which is perfectly fine. I'm just surprised by your take is all.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By just an idea on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 12:17 pm: Edit Post

If you can drive rent a car for 2 days for the price you are paying to treasure beach,have a friend meet you at the airports if you need driving direction to Treasure Beach.Plan your fun for the second day and ask the owner to pick the car up or better yet rent from someone in Treasure Beach.They will bring the car to the airport and if they are going back to Treasure Beach you may follow them


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By T. on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 12:11 pm: Edit Post

I see that my last comment didn't make it onto the page, so I worry that mine is the one that prompted the TB.net post about personal attacks. I truly didn't think my post was a personal attack. If it was, a sincerely apologize to both MikeyMike and TB.net. Attacking wasn't my intention at all.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By dj on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 08:02 pm: Edit Post

Hi there, Mikey Mike. Interesting change of tune from NEVER tip..I think what alarmed some of us, was your origional posting in LARGE letters, instructing visitors to NEVER tip.

I`ve had drives I thought would never end, and drivers who went WAY beyond.....Common sense prevails.

Wishing everyone a wonderful trip to Treasure Beach.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Disgusted on Friday, February 13, 2009 - 07:16 pm: Edit Post

I wasn't meaning a personal attack, but my post never made it here either. So I guess TB.net viewed it that way. Sorry.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By littlemamalisa on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 09:45 am: Edit Post

WOW! This subject provokes such passion! Very interesting conversation! I think we all need to take a minute and put ourselves in another mans (or woman's) shoes. What would YOU hope from your passengers (in any country) if you provided them a good service? Naturally, a tip!

Can't wait to get there - only 4 weeks to go!!!!! Looking forward to the drive from MoBay to TB, and what our driver has to offer :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By oneman on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 11:00 pm: Edit Post

No disrespect T, nor am I taking a side in the debate. I simply want to point out that it is expected that we tip waiters/waitresses. I am not sure about Jamdown but here in the U S, their wages are set at about half minimum wage, with the understanding that customers will give a customary 15/20% tip to at least bring their wages up to normal. Without tips, I think they only make about $3.50 hourly.
The point MikeyMike is making is that an independent owner/driver must have already figured out the cost of doing business in his pricing, and thus, should not necessarily expect a tip. Like ohliz, I'm never sure what the protocol is. Also, when a barber who owns the shop cuts my hair: should I tip him too?.....or should I only tip the barber who just happens to work there? Peace.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MikeyMike on Saturday, February 14, 2009 - 03:24 pm: Edit Post

I do tip waiters/waitress at resturants, and I do tip housekeepers at guesthouses/hotels if the service is good.
However, if I hire someone to cook a meal for me, are someone to clean my house for a specific price, then no I would not tip them extra.
By the way, I have not taken any offense to any of the replies here, so an apology is not necessary. It is just a diffenrence of opinion about how and when people tip. We are all different, and have different habits and customs on how things are done. This makes us neither good nor bad people.
ONE LOVE !!
Mike


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly on Sunday, February 15, 2009 - 05:35 pm: Edit Post

I am paying $115.00 for 2 people each way thru Clive's.