Route Taxis

[Barbara]

Hello, I'm a little confused on the taxi thing in Tobago. I'm assuming the rates listed on this website are for private taxis as they seem very high!

So do route taxis run often between main points such as Crown Point to Scarborough, Crown Point to Plymouth? What are the rates for route taxis? And how do you know where to catch one?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Barbara

Yes, the rates quoted on our taxi page are for private taxis. Sorry, but I've never travelled by route taxi so can't give you any idea of how much they cost. I believe its largely a matter of negotion.

[Rachel Crew]

Route taxis run between all the main points on the island, including Crown Point/Scarborough and Crown Point/Plymouth, although you may have to change taxis once or twice to get to places off the main highway from Crown Point to Scarborough. Technically they should have licence plates with an 'H' at the beginning, but a lot of people run private 'P' cars to make a little extra money. Just stand by the side of the road and look out for cars which beep the horn or flash their lights as they approach - just stick out your thumb and they'll pick you up!

Cars come along very frequently, especially on the main routes.

Route taxis have set fares between major points: Crown Point to Scarborough is about TT$6 - 8, depending on where exactly you get in or out. In my own experience, I have found the drivers to be honest and not to have overcharged... even the 'unofficial' cars stick to the same fare tariff. The only time you need to negotiate is if you want to go off the regular route, when you might need to pay a couple of dollars more for a slight diversion.

[David Watkins]

I agree with Rachel,BUT what was not mentioned was the fact that you will almost definitely have to share,that you may not go directly to your destination and the fare is per passenger not for the car.If you want to 'hire' the car the rate is about the same as rank cars.I used them a lot and found it was good fun to meet other people this way however it can be a bit 'intimate' when you find yourself in the middle of the back seat with rather large ladies on either side!!!
Have fun,
David

[Barbara]

Thanks for the info--very helpful! Do they run into the evening hours?

I'm not a fat person but when my backpack is with me I might as well be! So hopefully the other people in the taxi won't mind if I'm the one taking up a bit of space!