USVI-On-Line

My daughter, son-in law and 3yr old are arriving on President's week Saturday. We arrive earlier. Do most of the taxis have seatbelts for childseats? They will bring their own childseat. I wonder I should encourage them to get a private taxi. She is also pregnant with twins.We are also considering a private taxi because we had a very unnerving experience last year in the cab from Red Hook to our St Thomas guesthouse-the driver probably didn't want to go out of his way. I wrote about it on this forum. However this year we are just going airport to Red Hook and back again when we leave so I'm thinking the driver won't get mad at us. I just read the thread about Rachel which leaves me unsure.
After our experience last year I found it interesting that some of the villa companies were recommending private taxis.

The taxis I have been in have all had seat belts, so yes, they would have seat belts for a car seat...
If for some reason the particular taxi didn't then just request a different taxi. I don't think you will have a problem..

PatrickMcc wrote: After our experience last year I found it interesting that some of the villa companies were recommending private taxis.

That was me that mentioned that!

As a mother who has travelled with her child since he was an infant, I would get them a private taxi. Any woman willing to travel with a 3yo while being pregnant with twins deserves it. We have used private taxis 10+ times and haven't had a delay or less than good experience.

In all seriousness, the taxis should have seat belts ready and available and the driver should be patient and willing to allow the parents enough time to get the kiddo settled, but I have read enough reports to the contrary over the years that I was/am willing to spend a little extra to avoid any hassles.

Not that long ago, a frequent poster reported about how the driver made the parents hold their young child on their lap AND made them pay full fare for the child. From what I remember reading, it was a tense and bad situation.

I have heard horror stories about taxi drivers freaking out about car seats (not letting people using them, not wanting to wait until they are secure, etc.). We always rent our vehicle on STT anyway, and on the one trip we've had a toddler with us, renting on STT was even more of an incentive for this very reason.

Not sure from your post if they are getting their own vehicle or if you are all sharing one vehicle. If they have their own, I second Teresa-Rae's comment that renting on STT with a toddler is so much easier and safer considering the child seat goes right in at the airport.
If it is impossible for them to change to renting on STT, I would agree that a private taxi would ease everyone's mind and make their arrival a more pleasant/less stressful experience. Personally, I have had enough wild rides (pre-kids) in the passenger vans to last me a long time.