A little info on running a taxi in JA

[lambert74]

Hi All,

I have a couple of general (maybe) questions that I am hoping someone could give me a little incite on running a taxi in Jamaica or point me in the right direction. I have a friend that lives in Jamaica that mentioned to me that I could have an opportunity to run privately a taxi or 2. But it seems how it’s explained to me that the process sounds too easy to believe. I would like to try and get some information on the different aspects I need to look into. Being from Canada and running a taxi in Jamaica I’m not totally sure on the process, aside from buying a car what insurance/s would be needed for the car, would I need a business license. Is there a way to protect myself from being scammed buy the driver as most people pay with cash, and any other information I am missing.

I am very willing to do the research my self but I am having difficulty in find the right people to contact.

[Nanook]

Re: A little info on running a taxi in JA

As an ex-cab driver I only want to say that if you own a taxi and are not the driver there is almost no way you can guarantee you will not be taken advantage of. This would be especially true if the vehicle is in another country.

[lambert74]

Re: A little info on running a taxi in JA

Yeah that is what I was thinking, the person driving would be either my firends brother or a friend. I know which does not really mean anything but you would hope there would be some sort of trust. But thank you because that was one of my biggest concerns.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: A little info on running a taxi in JA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nanook</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As an ex-cab driver I only want to say that if you own a taxi and are not the driver there is almost no way you can guarantee you will not be taken advantage of. This would be especially true if the vehicle is in another country. </div></div> In Jamaica it is worse by a factor of 10.
At least you don't have to contend with the police with their vield cillection racket.
No operator can pay all the expenses, taxes repairs etc, and then pay the police on a daily basis and make enough to pay himself and then owner.
It is simply impossible.
That is why it is only those who are not in th ebusiness that think it is attractive.
The police is too corrupt for that to be made porifitable. The only transportation project that have a little chance is tour operation.
since the police does not have such the opportunity to squeeze the operators as in other forms of transport.

[Ochigal]

Re: A little info on running a taxi in JA

AMEN Dr Dudd...why anyone would consider investing in a taxi and then NOT driving it themselves is beyond me...ESPECIALLY if they arent even on the island to verify what is true and whats not...I can see it now:

Driver- "Hulloo....Mr.Taxi owner...de struts ah mash up...and the CV joints gone bad inna de front end. Me need X amount a dolla fe fix ie.

Mr Taxi owner- So wait...didnt we just have the car in the shop to replace the tires...how come this wasnt discoverd then.

driver- But boss...ya nuh know how de roads dung here stay...dem mash up bad bad...

Mr Taxi owner- Alright...go check western union later today...

Mean while....later in the day...

driver- puttus...me reach home...come see wha me did buy for you today...one nice frock...come mek we go out to dinna!

[Ochigal]

Re: A little info on running a taxi in JA

I will say that I have friends in JA who run a fleet of a few taxis...they have drivers for them all and very set guidelines...and every night...the taxi is parked back in THEIR yard. So they know exactly the status of things.