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Getting a Fair Deal on a Taxi
Posted by Editor | January 29, 2009 | Categories: Community News, Transport | 1 Comment
A common complaint of tourists in almost any city is taxi drivers who overcharge them. It can be a tourist’s first impression of a place and so it leaves a sour taste in their mouth. Tourists are often vulnerable to this because they don’t know how much something is supposed to cost. But I’ve often run into travelers who thought they were overcharged but when I questioned them it turned out they paid the going rate.
Since the taxis in Puerto Viejo operate without meters this is especially true. There are customary rates that exist between points in the area. The taxi company Transportes Privados Jireh has made their rate sheet publicly available to Puerto Viejo Satellite and others for some time – we have just updated it on the transport page where you can find the latest rate sheet at any time. Â
This doesn’t necessarily negate the need to negotiate and confirm the price before you start your ride. Knowing the rates will make people feel more comfortable in this process. The owner of Transportes Privados Jireh assures local businesses that if drivers charge you significantly more than is shown on the price sheet, call it into the office and they will be disciplined.
Transportes Privados Jireh can be reached at 2570-2073. They located on the main road in town just in front of the Sunrise backpackers lodge.
The other taxi company has categorically refused to publish a fixed price schedule and has not responded to complaints of customers being over charged. So if you use them, you’re on your own.
In the spirit of making travelers feel more welcome and comfortable with taxi service, local business owners are encouraged to print out the list of taxi rates and also avoid patronizing taxi drivers and companies who are charging exorbitant rates.
Comments
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Estimado amigos de Talamanca News:
Los felcito por darle amplia publicidad al asunto de las tarifas exageradas que algunos taxis cobran en la zona de Puerto Viejo y en Cahuita.
Me parece que esa actitud es un abuso al turista y a la vez un daño grande a toda la comunidad.
Creo que la labor de los taxis Jireh de colocar en varios lugares publicos sus tarifas, es importante y que se debe ampliar, de tal manera que en la recepcion de cada hotel, restaurante o pension exista.
De mi parte, yo no recomiendo usar a taxis que se niegan a dar sus tarifas oficiales al usuario.
La Camara de turismo del Caribe Sur siempre ha estado de acuerdo en existan tarifas oficiales de taxis, para darle seguridad y confianza al turista que nos visita.
Saludos
Rolando Soto
Presidente
Camara de Turismo y Comercio
Caribe Sur