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Taxi drivers upset #123530
03/09/2017 10:15 AM
03/09/2017 10:15 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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SMN news story I actually don't understand what this is about, but if I'm a cruise ship passenger, I'm not going to be too happy about someone coming up to me and putting some kind of arm band on me and telling me which taxi driver I can use!! And refusing to take someone to the French side??

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 03/09/2017 10:22 AM.

Carol Hill
SXM Sponsors
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123531
03/09/2017 10:28 AM
03/09/2017 10:28 AM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,376
SXMWendell Offline
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SXMWendell  Offline
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Posts: 7,376
Yeah, that would be my response. No band on me.

Probably be a road blockage or something soon to protest.

Wendell

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: SXMWendell] #123532
03/09/2017 12:04 PM
03/09/2017 12:04 PM
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 535
norwalk, ct
D
Dansc Offline
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Dansc  Offline
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D
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 535
norwalk, ct
i have to say things seem to be going the wrong direction in so many ways down there right now. Wonder how long before i cant take it. Bad enough i have to breath in the damn dump all the time

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Dansc] #123533
03/09/2017 12:38 PM
03/09/2017 12:38 PM
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 61
L
Lucky13 Offline
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Lucky13  Offline
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Posts: 61
The DSTA sounds like a real piece of work - squeezing out competitors and bullying their customers into using only DSTA affiliated cabs. This will test Dutch/French cooperation if the Dutch side government allows licensed cab drivers to refuse to take customers to the French side. I can't see the French side government taking that lying down.

The DSTA website promises "Qaulity Taxi Service". Qaulity indeed!

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123534
03/09/2017 01:01 PM
03/09/2017 01:01 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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Brookfield, CT.
Sounds to me as though this is one more black mark against the island government and the taxi drivers association for protecting one specific industry at the expense of another, only in this case it's not the taxi association against the rental car owners but the association against other licensed taxi drivers. Could that possibly be the right conclusion to draw from the article posted?


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: pat] #123535
03/09/2017 01:35 PM
03/09/2017 01:35 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
Uber?

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: sail2wind] #123536
03/09/2017 07:40 PM
03/09/2017 07:40 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,666
MIA
I
irina Offline
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irina  Offline
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I
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Posts: 2,666
MIA
You guys. They are protected by government. That's why they operate the way they do.
Bad Cheers
irina

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: irina] #123537
03/09/2017 07:50 PM
03/09/2017 07:50 PM
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 64
J
johngret Offline
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johngret  Offline
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Posts: 64
Corruption, that all I have to say ...

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: irina] #123538
03/09/2017 07:50 PM
03/09/2017 07:50 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind Offline
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sail2wind  Offline
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Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
it's worse in St.Thomas, what a cartel. $15 pp for a 2 mile 5 minute trip

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: sail2wind] #123539
03/09/2017 10:12 PM
03/09/2017 10:12 PM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 288
J
jimnjudy Offline
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Posts: 288
Years ago on our first trip to SXM we exited the airport, stood in line and when we told the cab driver we wanted to go to Port de Plaissance he refused to take us. We realized later that it wasn't a "milk" run and he could take fares to 3 places in the time it took him to take us to Port de Plaissance. The man looking after the cab line wanted to know why we wouldn't get in the cab and we told him. He yelled to a young man - Johanne and we got in his 9 passenger van which was owned by his uncle who owns Bada Bing Bada Boom strip joint. Johanne took one other passenger and when the other passenger inquired about cold beer, wine and cigars Johanne took us all to Le Grande Marche and while the other passenger was getting his cigars and booze Johanne toured Judy and I around the market making useful suggestions. We will never forget his kindness and caring and, sadly, I don't think this would happen on SXM today. And worse, we've lost track of Johanne.

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123540
03/10/2017 08:04 AM
03/10/2017 08:04 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Not sure what this is about and I forgot to ask Junior last night.

One continuing problem is the "gypsy" taxis. While they probably can not not work the pier/harbor as I doubt they could access it, they are a problem in town and elsewhere.

I have seen more than usual and even here at Royal Palm, there are routinely 2 or so hanging out. "Taxi" sign in the window but resident plates. I questioned one about it and he gave me a number of a taxi and when I asked my friends about that number, totally different description of the guy. I am going to mention this to Royal Palm.


J.D.
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: ruralcarrier] #123541
03/10/2017 09:15 AM
03/10/2017 09:15 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Reading and re-reading the article, I got the impression it was a UNION issue. The other drivers apparently have licenses from the government, so are not gypsies, but they don't belong to the union.


Carol Hill
Altercation at Alegria [Re: Carol_Hill] #123542
03/10/2017 10:27 AM
03/10/2017 10:27 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Central Florida!
SXM news story Sorry it sure looks like to me the union is way wrong on this one..


Carol Hill
Re: Altercation at Alegria [Re: Carol_Hill] #123543
03/10/2017 10:34 AM
03/10/2017 10:34 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Ohio
Not sure what the deal is but I heard about some altercation.

I did talk to the new manager here at Royal Palm and hebasically doesn't care about gypsies working here. Said there was not much he could do and it is the "way of the island". I then asked who was responsible if a guest asked for a taxi and the resort called or put them in a gypsy. Not much response at that point.


J.D.
Re: Altercation at Alegria [Re: ruralcarrier] #123544
03/10/2017 10:36 AM
03/10/2017 10:36 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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JD--I really don't think this is a gypsy situation. The original story said that the taxi drivers in question have a license from the government.


Carol Hill
Re: Altercation at Alegria [Re: Carol_Hill] #123545
03/10/2017 10:42 AM
03/10/2017 10:42 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Ohio
Could very well be.

There is though a huge gypsy taxi problem on the Dutch side and I would personally not get in one.


J.D.
Re: Altercation at Alegria [Re: ruralcarrier] #123546
03/10/2017 10:44 AM
03/10/2017 10:44 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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It is good to be mindful of that, yes. But this appears to be a different situation.


Carol Hill
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123547
03/10/2017 09:57 PM
03/10/2017 09:57 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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I spoke with a long time taxi driver friend about this. His take is there is an agreement between one of the port agents that books tours for cruise ships and also one of the taxi driver unions. The agreement to transport people from the pier to Sunset was for $16pp round trip. Some drivers were supposedly collecting $8pp on the way out but then on the return some were doing it for $5pp. I am not sure if Sunset has anything in this or what the actual facts are but there was supposed to be a set price for trips sold on the ships and also one of the taxi unions. Some drivers became upset as they thought the variance in pricing made them look like they were cheating people and I guess the wristband thing came about.

I am sure there is more to the story but this is my summation of it from a short conversation this morning.


J.D.
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: ruralcarrier] #123548
03/10/2017 10:26 PM
03/10/2017 10:26 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Huhm, OK, still seems like to me the taxi drivers are wrong, making agreements with the ships to keep prices artificially high..


Carol Hill
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123549
03/10/2017 10:36 PM
03/10/2017 10:36 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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One of the port agents that books tours with cruise lines set the price and the taxi drivers just followed. No idea what the entire story is but usually beach runs and popular destinations are pretty much set prices.


J.D.
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: ruralcarrier] #123550
03/10/2017 10:52 PM
03/10/2017 10:52 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Sorry, rates set by whom? If it's set by the SXM government, no problem. Set by the cruise lines?? That I have a problem with..

Regardless, I can't see the cruise lines being too happy with taxi drivers refusing to take customers to the French side. Someone could still convince me otherwise, but all I see so far is that the taxi drivers union is wrong..


Carol Hill
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123551
03/10/2017 11:00 PM
03/10/2017 11:00 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Basically like a tour booked on the ship. The ship works with a port agent for a tour, what it includes and the price that the ship sells it for. I think the ship must sell a trip to Sunset and back for $16pp. Could be on a bus or a larger taxi.

I am not saying it is right or wrong, just relaying what I was told.


J.D.
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: ruralcarrier] #123552
03/10/2017 11:02 PM
03/10/2017 11:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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OK. Still not sure how that figures into them refusing to take people to the French side, etc.


Carol Hill
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123553
03/24/2017 12:27 PM
03/24/2017 12:27 PM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
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tlw440 Offline
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Posts: 10
Any updates on the taxi situation?

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: tlw440] #123554
03/24/2017 12:47 PM
03/24/2017 12:47 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Only a bad update.. SXM talks


Carol Hill
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123555
03/24/2017 01:27 PM
03/24/2017 01:27 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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Auburn, WA
Can't blame the non member taxis for not wanting to honor another taxis fare that they would get nothing out of. I would have just taken the prepaid wrist band off and paid another taxi to take me back to the ship where I would then demand a refund for the return trip from the excursion department on the ship.

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: SXMScubaman] #123556
03/24/2017 01:30 PM
03/24/2017 01:30 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Agreed, I don't blame the non member taxis either. I would be pretty angry at the situation, but as you say, I would just pay again and complain to the ship.


Carol Hill
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123557
03/24/2017 01:34 PM
03/24/2017 01:34 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />My My My we agree on something. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
I can see a great day in the making. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: SXMScubaman] #123558
03/24/2017 01:37 PM
03/24/2017 01:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Posts: 82,466
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Don't get used to it!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />


Carol Hill
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123559
03/24/2017 01:46 PM
03/24/2017 01:46 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
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SXMScubaman  Offline
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Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
I'll take what ever I can get. I think it happened once before too. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: SXMScubaman] #123560
03/24/2017 02:03 PM
03/24/2017 02:03 PM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
T
tlw440 Offline
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Posts: 10
Thanks, but not what I was wanting to read.

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: tlw440] #123561
03/24/2017 02:03 PM
03/24/2017 02:03 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Right, another black eye for the island.


Carol Hill
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123562
03/24/2017 03:56 PM
03/24/2017 03:56 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Not good at all.


J.D.
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: ruralcarrier] #123563
03/24/2017 04:29 PM
03/24/2017 04:29 PM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,583
Sacramento, CA, USA
G
gtaylor Offline
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Posts: 1,583
Sacramento, CA, USA
This is quite a change from just last month. We were there on a cruise and they had signs such as this posted for all cruiser-typical destinations. One-way fares.

[Linked Image]
(click)

gary


Look up and wave! smile
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: gtaylor] #123564
04/09/2017 06:44 AM
04/09/2017 06:44 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
T
tlw440 Offline
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tlw440  Offline
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Posts: 10
Has the taxi problem been resolved?

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: tlw440] #123565
05/01/2017 08:44 AM
05/01/2017 08:44 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
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tlw440 Offline
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tlw440  Offline
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Posts: 10
Does anyone have any updates on the taxi problem or has it been resolved? We will be down on a cruise in a couple of weeks and want to go to Orient Beach but don't want to go if they are still having problems.

Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: tlw440] #123566
05/01/2017 09:25 AM
05/01/2017 09:25 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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I haven't seen anything in the paper recently, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's been resolved. I think the major issue revolved around trips to Sunset Bar and Grill though. Perhaps JD can talk to one of his taxi driver friends to see if they can give an update?


Carol Hill
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: Carol_Hill] #123567
05/01/2017 09:26 AM
05/01/2017 09:26 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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As of now, there is nothing new that I am aware of but I will try to make a call and find out. Since there has been nothing in the paper, I am hoping it has settled down.


J.D.
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: tlw440] #123568
05/01/2017 09:27 AM
05/01/2017 09:27 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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I would not think going to Orient Beach would be a problem as there are always a lot of taxis going to/from there and the pier.


J.D.
Re: Taxi drivers upset [Re: ruralcarrier] #123569
05/01/2017 09:29 AM
05/01/2017 09:29 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Carol_Hill  Offline OP
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Ok, thanks.


Carol Hill
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