USVI-On-Line

Was this your first visit to STJ? Private transfer vs. regular taxi van is a polarizing topic.

One will pay more for a PRIVATE taxi that operates on your schedule, which is what you booked. You pay extra for the service, non-stop to the dock, a stop grocery stop, etc depending on your needs. This is private transportation service as opposed to a taxi ride.

The $15 pp fee is the regulated rate for an on-duty, multi-passenger taxi van, you were quoted and charge that rate for your ride back to the airport.

Comparing the two are apples and oranges.

If you arrive at the airport you have 3 options...

1. Walk outside and get in a van with other people - this van will more than limey stop to drop people off at multiple destinations (hotels, Tortola ferry dock etc) however sometimes will go directly to Red Hook and the cost $15.00 per person

2. Walk outside and get a private taxi just for the people in your group - cost $90.00 for 1-6 guests then $15.00 per person after (I think it is for the first 6 it might be for the first 5 not sure but the "base starting rate" is $90.00)

3. Pre-arrange a private taxi in advance with Rachel (or other) and have this taxi just for the people in your group and pay a pre-determined rate - in your case $50.00 for the 2 of you - BARGAIN for a private taxi

Hope this helps and all of this has been mentioned before (private cost vs shared cost) so no you were not ripped off and for a private received a very good rate.

Pia

Thanks for the clarification. Now if she had only been there I would never have had to write this post. She left without us, according to the taxi driver who did take us.

My friend Pia is correct. What she overlooked is that the shared taxi will also charge for bags. It seems to vary, but I think $3 per bag is a good number. If the two of you are carrying 2 bags each, you can add another $12 to your $30. You are now at $42. After the third intermediate stop, ask yourself if you would have paid an extra $8 to catch this ferry instead of waiting another hour for the next one.

I like the pre-arranged private taxi. If I am going to spend that much money for a trip to STJ, I would like the convenience, space and timeliness of a private ride to the ferry or back to the airport. I think nothing of giving $20 to a porter to quickly get me through the airport (still the best $20 I spend in the VI), why would I keep $8 in my pocket and sit in the ferry terminal staring at an island I can't get to for another hour?

The most important point is that it is your money and vacation. Spend them the way you want.

JIM

"so in addition to being stood up, I felt ripped off.
Can anyone else tell me what they usually pay for the ride?"

I think the replies were also taking this part of your comment into consideration when they responded.

Thank you EZ.

JIM

I have t admit the taxi rates I read people post always have me scratching my head a bit. It is $15 from the airport to red hook, but if it's two or more people it's $11 each according to the posted rate. Add a piece of luggage each(which is how we travel) at $2 per bag it works out to $26 plus tip which is $30 and that's what we pay when we take the multi person vans. I think we calculate it out right Our last driver a few weeks ago knew that people wanted to make the 9pm ferry so she only made one stop and got us there without a problem. Some people want the private taxi and a more direct trip and/ or have more people in their group or a lot of luggage or are in a bigger hurry.