Coastal Express tourist pricing

[scubateacher]

I just saw the price list for the new water ferry "coastal Express".  One side was for locals and the other for visitors.
 The price was double for the visitors. This is just another way to exploit the gringo.
Who's to say who is a local, do you have to show your residency papers?

[pedro]

I think you just have to live here for more than a couple of months-anyone who works here has a business volunteers that sort of thing-it is not raping the gringo as Island Ferry is more expensive to everyone-I do not have local and tourist prices as a bar hotel I do not think it is a good idea but for workers et al I think it becomes a big saving but they are the ones that the business depends on year round-most everybody will go with cheapest -so we can sit back and see which is the strongest as that is the one that will survive and prosper

anyone want to take a bet on who wins

[dougieJ]

I just saw the price list for the new water ferry "coastal Express".  One side was for locals and the other for visitors.
The price was double for the visitors. This is just another way to exploit the gringo.
Who's to say who is a local, do you have to show your residency papers?

Your opinion is so ignorant and so whats is wrong with all gringos like yourself. The locals only use the Ferry to go to work, where they are paid a pittance of what you or I would call a living wage.
Yes the gringo subsidzes the ferry and many of the other business on the island. If you don't like it, don't come here.
I still think five miles on a water taxi for $10 is a lot cheaper than 5 miles in a yellow cab in New York.
Sort yourself out or get off the board. You embarressed yourself.

[deadserious]

I just saw the price list for the new water ferry "coastal Express".  One side was for locals and the other for visitors.
 The price was double for the visitors. This is just another way to exploit the gringo.
Who's to say who is a local, do you have to show your residency papers?

It's only smart business to give the people who have the potential to come back to use the service the most the biggest incentive to do so.

I think the discount was marketed poorly.  As I understand it, the price pdf was not intended to be for public consumption but it got out and that's essentially marketing.  And bad marketing at that.

If it were positioned and promoted a bit differently it would have been more positively received, but otherwise, I see nothing wrong with the practice itself.

[Gela]

I certainly do understand separate prices for locals versus visitors. I've seen this in many countries (and not just in the caribbean).

I don't agree that having a feeling or an opinion about something warrants being called ignorant.

[deadserious]

don't agree that having a feeling or an opinion about something warrants being called ignorant.

You obviously haven't been over on USA chat much...

[Gela]

deadserious

I do not respond on the USA Chat forum for many personal and political reasons.

Test me at your will…. I am up for that challenge – no problemo! 

[deadserious]

No thanks.  I have no desire to pick a fight with you. 

[Gela]

good move deadserious - but will be very willing to buy you a Jagger or Belikin on AC when we meet 

[Nova]

DS - take a look at the other board member list - had you even heard of Belize when Gela joined?

[deadserious]

Unfortunately, I'm not permitted to view the other board's member list.  I've been banned.

Regarding when I first heard of Belize, I'm not sure to be honest.  But probably in the late 90s.  My first visit was in 2005 for my wedding and my first visits to the other board were late 2004, early 2005 in preparation for my trip.

[Nova]

Just rubbing it in, DS!   

[sdemaio]

Rather than "Local Price" perhaps a monthly pass price would market better.

[deadserious]

Rather than "Local Price" perhaps a monthly pass price would market better.

That is harder to figure out the right price for as a new business I'm sure. 

But they could have done a frequent traveler card or something that gives a discount on each trip.  x number of trips to qualify per month.  something like that.

[BettyJ]

I can see both sides of the issue relative to local discounts.  It doesn't seem quite fair that our tourists would pay more.  However, those of us who reside here (many may be on limited budgets) appreciate businesses who see the value of having locals try their services.  If the product is good, we may be in a position to recommend it to others.  Especially during the slow season, this might help to increase volume of business and help to cover operating costs at least (which helps prevent workers from being laid off, etc).    

My experience is that the majority of local businesses do not offer significant cost savings to local residents.  If we ask, we may be able to get 10% or so on a minimum # of dollars spent.  I guess you could compare it to some of the frequent shopper programs in the states.