There are a few things that I don’t understand about the transport available to the Cayman Islands. It all boils down to economics. And frankly economics suck!!
Whilst I applaud the Cayman Island Government for their crack down on the drink driving in the Cayman Islands, I wonder, am I left no choice. Zero tolerance has to be applied in this day and age of power drinking, shot culture and hurried hydration as a result of the early closure of the licensed premises here. For the most part we abide by the rules given to us in return for us to living on this land. I want to make sure my friends are safe as well. Why though am I charged twice for a taxi fare because I want to make sure my friend gets home safe and doesn’t drink and drive? It makes no logical sense to me. Maybe I am missing the point? Don’t get me wrong. If I am going an opposite direction; going out of my way to make sure I get my companion home safe. Charge me. Taxi drivers have a living to make as well. However, if I am dropping my friend on the road on the way to my house – why am I being charged one fare for him and then one TOTAL fare from the point of origin to my house???
It infuriates me that an advantage is being taken of those who are trying to do the right thing. By abiding by the law, taxi drivers are making sure that every last penny I have from the being out that night is left with them. There was one incident when I questioned why I was being charged twice the driver decided to swear at me; threaten to call the police and called me a c*nt. Sorry? I wouldn’t mind if I was twisted and i was abusive to the driver in the first place, but I wasn’t. I was actually without a car and was stone cold sober.
What should happen? Well, firstly publish the price tariff’s that is a requirement in the rest of the World. Whatever the taxi union is in the Cayman Islands should be publicly addressing the constant increase in fares; the way in which we are charged as consumers and also the way fares change after certain times in the night. There is too much ‘flexi fare’ where we sit in the back of the taxi trying to guess what number the driver is going to pluck out of the air.
Yes, the prices are ridiculous on this island. I’ll put up with them as they are what they are. I expect it. Ill even tip on top of it if I have a good conversation with the driver; they had the AC on and they didn’t stop for gas or an errand whilst I am in the cab. There are two things I wont put up with though.
1. I won’t put up with lies told to me when I order the cab. again, for the most part service is prompt. I understand there is traffic at certain times of day. Please do not lie to me though saying that it is on the way and then turn up 45 minutes to an hour later. Be honest with me. Tell me you are that busy and I’ll either make other plans or wait it out in front of the TV instead of by the door.
2. I won’t put up with the double charging and the outright abuse of the drivers in penalising me and my companians for taking the same cab home. Cayman shouldnt put up with this. Drivers with a conscionce actually don’t do it. What does that say?
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