How much to charge friend GTA to Ottawa?

[Xiaohaibao]

I live in markham and my parents live in ottawa and I visit them usually once a month. My friend also live in markham and his parents live in ottawa too so I usually drive him too (he doesn't have a car). We leave markham friday evening and come back sunday evening. I was wondering what is a fair price to charge him? Currently he pays me $40 every time, is it too low or too high or about right?

Some other facts:
We are very good friends, I know him since high school.
I would probably make this trip every month anyways, even if he didn't want to go I would go by myself.
I drive him door to door, he doesn't have to walk at all, even though his parents house is a little bit out of the way, maybe 20 minutes.
He usually brings some luggage, a few bags and boxes.
I drive a big car (acura mdx) so it's a very comfortable ride.

[kamilio]

50% of the gas used (as a max number). Charging a close friend more than that is just ridiculous and will impact your friendship.

I have been in that situation before and my buddy didn't even ask for it. After the first time I actually offered to pay half of the gas and he agreed and that was that. And as a token of appreciation I would buy him drinks here and there.

[Kohanz]

If you're charging him anything, I wouldn't call him your "good friend".

[Singh_21]

50% gas
Pay for your lunch/dinner on the way to compensate for maintenance costs for the vehicle.

[yao416]

Just split the gas money mang

[Singh_21]

If you're charging him anything, I wouldn't call him your "good friend".

If it was one time then yea but if its ona regulat base..Why only 1 friend gottta empty his pocket?

[Kohanz]

If it was one time then yea but if its ona regulat base..Why only 1 friend gottta empty his pocket?

If he offers, which he has, sure, but I don't think "good friends" start haggling over something like this.

[Singh_21]

If he offers, which he has, sure, but I don't think "good friends" start haggling over something like this.

Will the good frend pay if the guy get a flat tire on the way, gets in a accident etc..Why only one friend take the risk and use his money?

[deltone]

I would say 50% of the gas. I don't drink so I tend to be the DD most of the time and I don't charge anyone anything BUT if I was bringing a friend to Ottawa, I would hope they'd want to pay 1/2 the gas, unless they were just coming to keep me company. I drive to Atlantic City 3 or 4 times a year and I bring 2 or 3 others. They always chip in for the gas. Why shouldn't they?

[Xiaohaibao]

You don't think $40 is too little? The bus or train would cost $100 in one way, and he would still have to walk to/from the station.

[starboy869]

Be a good rfd friend and say "$100 or get the eff out and walk"

Your seriously going to haggle a "good friend". Imo he isn't a good friend or your super cheap.

I never charge friends for rides unless they're 30 minutes or more out of my way. Then it's like $20 or maybe just a couple cups of coffee depending on my mood.

[Kohanz]

Will the good frend pay if the guy get a flat tire on the way, gets in a accident etc..Why only one friend take the risk and use his money?

"I would probably make this trip every month anyways, even if he didn't want to go I would go by myself."

[Kohanz]

You don't think $40 is too little? The bus or train would cost $100 in one way, and he would still have to walk to/from the station.

The bus and train don't transport their friends. They are for-profit companies.

Splitting the gas should be good enough.

Wouldn't you rather make the drive with the company of a friend than alone?

[rsasp]

If its on regular basis, split the gas bill.
Otherwise, ask him to treat you lunch.

[Kenny Blankenship]

lame

[overboost]

You don't think $40 is too little? The bus or train would cost $100 in one way, and he would still have to walk to/from the station.

Seriously, mang?? Split the gas and be done. What are you...trying to make this a taxi service and charge 50% of the bus or train cost??

[007craft]

honestly, real friends dont charge friends gas money for trips they are making anyway. If hes roping a ride out of you to ottawa, sure charge him. But if hes just tagging along, it should be free.

Im driving to Alaska in a month. I expect the gas to cost me $900 there and back. I asked my friend if she wanted to come and she said no because she wouldn't be able to afford the gas money. I told her not to worry about it as Im going with or without her, so theres no need to pay. Her weight is negligible and will probably only end up costing me and extra $10-$20

[najibs]

I live in markham and my parents live in ottawa and I visit them usually once a month. My friend also live in markham and his parents live in ottawa too so I usually drive him too (he doesn't have a car). We leave markham friday evening and come back sunday evening. I was wondering what is a fair price to charge him? Currently he pays me $40 every time, is it too low or too high or about right?

Some other facts:
We are very good friends, I know him since high school.
I would probably make this trip every month anyways, even if he didn't want to go I would go by myself.
I drive him door to door, he doesn't have to walk at all, even though his parents house is a little bit out of the way, maybe 20 minutes.
He usually brings some luggage, a few bags and boxes.
I drive a big car (acura mdx) so it's a very comfortable ride.

I'll charge you $10 for the best advice you'll get, friend.

[squall458]

OP your lame. charge him nothing. if he is a good friend, he will know how much to pay on his own. /end thread

[deltone]

honestly, real friends dont charge friends gas money for trips they are making anyway. If hes roping a ride out of you to ottawa, sure charge him. But if hes just tagging along, it should be free.

Im driving to Alaska in a month. I expect the gas to cost me $900 there and back. I asked my friend if she wanted to come and she said no because she wouldn't be able to afford the gas money. I told her not to worry about it as Im going with or without her, so theres no need to pay. Her weight is negligible and will probably only end up costing me and extra $10-$20

Different situation. You want her to come along to keep you company. In the OP's situation, the friend wants to go because he's visiting his family. It's a fairly regular thing and so why should the OP bear the full cost of the trip, while the friend gets off scot free? If the OP asked his bud to tag along to keep him company it's a different thing but the friend is going for his own reasons. Half the cost of gas is more than fair to both.

[googoo]

if he is a good friend, he will know how much to pay on his own. /end thread

Agreed, and most of my friends and myself would happily pay the full cost of gas....they are taxi-ing all the way AND dropping me off and picking me up at my destination.......least I can do!

Brent

[BongoBong]

Different situation. You want her to come along to keep you company. In the OP's situation, the friend wants to go because he's visiting his family. It's a fairly regular thing and so why should the OP bear the full cost of the trip, while the friend gets off scot free? If the OP asked his bud to tag along to keep him company it's a different thing but the friend is going for his own reasons. Half the cost of gas is more than fair to both.

I don't think he should bare the whole cost of the trip, I think the only reasonable expectation is to get compensation based on the extra "cost" to provide his friend the ride. So basically the 20 minutes and say 5 bucks of gas from the extra weight. Expecting anything more then that stops being a favour to a friend and becomes a for profit service. The fact that he mentions how big and nice a ride he has as if that should have some relevance on how much his friend should pay shows how he thinks about it.

[Shaner]

If you're a good friend you won't ask him for money. If he's a good friend, he'll offer you a reasonable amount of money.

[bobbings]

I'd say split half of the gas bill.

It's actually on your way and he's your good friend so how could you really have the mindset to make money off of him?

You benefit by having a chunk of your gas bill paid and he benefits by probably paying less than he would have paid for a greyhound.

You both benefit by having bromance!

[Supercooled]

You don't think $40 is too little? The bus or train would cost $100 in one way, and he would still have to walk to/from the station.

Trurh comes out. uf you wanr to increase the split hust asj. mdx is a nice comdy ride... Executive seating on via pricing.. Done deal.

[AudiDude]

If its on regular basis, split the gas bill.
Otherwise, ask him to treat you lunch.

+1

[RolandCouch]

If I give a friend a lift and it is not a regular thing, I do not ever ask for gas money.

If I was doing what you are doing, since it is a regular thing and a long drive, I would ask them to split the gas with me. Even though I am paying for the vehicle, maintenance etc. etc. I think 50/50 is fine. If someone else was driving me once a month to Ottawa I would be asking them how much I owe them for gas $$$ and fully expect to pitch in.

[Corleone187]

it should be free. and as a courtesy he should give you some money but that is up to him, he shouldnt have to if he doesn't want to.

i would never do something like this like demand money. its so fake

[stuntman]

I think in a legal sense that this is not allowed and if there is an accident they can sue your butt. This is a regular basis, if it is not they can offer to pay have gas and you can accept, unless you are hard up for cash. If hard up for cash it is OK to ask them nicely if they will go halfsies with you, unless of course they are harder up for cash.

1/2 gas but deny everything if he sues.

[stuntman]

I don't think he should bare the whole cost of the trip, I think the only reasonable expectation is to get compensation based on the extra "cost" to provide his friend the ride. So basically the 20 minutes and say 5 bucks of gas from the extra weight. Expecting anything more then that stops being a favour to a friend and becomes a for profit service. The fact that he mentions how big and nice a ride he has as if that should have some relevance on how much his friend should pay shows how he thinks about it.

It is a logically answer Spock.
However -1 no class my pointy eared friend. Reason: nickle and dime stuff.

[Warped]

If you're a good friend you won't ask him for money. If he's a good friend, he'll offer you a reasonable amount of money.

Agreed.

[t3359]

My buddy and I used to do that... cover the gas or meals on the way... so probably $40 or $20, decided randomly.

BTW, I think the going rate (car pool clubs etc) is $42, at least it was 10 years ago.

bjl

[Setz]

50% gas
Pay for your lunch/dinner on the way to compensate for maintenance costs for the vehicle.

+1

If he offers, accept. Don't just say "yeah bro, you're paying for gas" or you'll come off as a ***** .

[Sniper001]

honestly, real friends dont charge friends gas money for trips they are making anyway. If hes roping a ride out of you to ottawa, sure charge him. But if hes just tagging along, it should be free.

Im driving to Alaska in a month. I expect the gas to cost me $900 there and back. I asked my friend if she wanted to come and she said no because she wouldn't be able to afford the gas money. I told her not to worry about it as Im going with or without her, so theres no need to pay. Her weight is negligible and will probably only end up costing me and extra $10-$20

+1. $40 is plenty. Don't you enjoy the company anyway? It sure beats driving alone.

[Torontotl]

1. You are not a good friend.
2. Not sure why you make it a point to let the general public know you drive an mdx; makes you look more like cheap trying to charge your "good" friend money for a ride that you are going to make anyways.
3. Asking people on the internet is full of lolz.
4. Stop charging your boy money or even have the remote thought of jacking up the cost of the ride. That's just plain selfish.
5. Please inform your friend that you guys aren't really that great of a friend to begin with.

Honestly, to even contemplate upcharging your so called friend for more gas money is pretty rude and you need to rethink if you guys are really that great of a friends.

[Muney]

If you go once a month anyways and are not going out of your way to go there then $40 is fine. If you're doing him a favour and going when he wants 50% of gas.

[Salavat23]

I wouldn't dare even ask about charging a friend, especially if I'm going there anyway.

[LostInTruth]

Charge him - BUT. Split the gas bill in half is a better way to go.

There are friend's who take advantage of others, and are always mooching for a free ride. Then, when you turn around and ask for a favour, always an excuse. I don't think the 2 of you are like that though - I say the $40 arrangement you have right now is working for you, so why not continue?

Let me ask you this, when you do a road trip with your buddies, do you split the gas or do you cover it all because you're all good friends? This - is no different.

Toronto to Ottawa is not a short distance drive - anything over 'xy' amount of hours should be somewhat of a charge

[googoo]

Let me ask you this, when you do a road trip with your buddies, do you split the gas or do you cover it all because you're all good friends? This - is no different.


The driver takes the responsibilty of driving, all the the costs involved in repairs and wear, and doesn't get a free taxi ride...THAT'S why the other person pays the gas.

B

[Corleone187]

This is ridiculous, I would never even think about asking someone for money. It's just too pathetic. When I was a kid I would probably drive people home all the time from work even though I didn't consider them friends but just co-workers and I would never charge them like $1.50-$2 for gas or whatever

Anyways on a long trip to Ottawa the friend is probably doing you a favor by offering company, and probably security as well. Just say you got tired, or sick and couldn't drive? Or you got bored and had no one to talk to? or got into an accident? it's probably beneficial to have another person there

Anyways that's like my cousin charging me a fee for doing medical checkup of me at his house (he lives in the US) or my brother charging me for legal advice, they would never do that! it's so silly

[Buggy166]

on trips we split everything to the number of people with go with so that the cost is less per person. same applies to this. 50% gas cost. the friend part is you driving him to where he needs to go, and ditto for him keeping you company and saving you money on gas by going with you (if you needed to go anyways).

Meals and entertainment i usually alternate. If my friend drives, i front up the cash for the stuff that night unless its a hefty restaurant bill and not just the usual burger and beer fare. Balance costs out that way, saves you headaches, but make sure he's an actual friend and not a leech. Plenty of those around as well.

[al3x89]

1000km there and back..

that's 2 tanks of gas

split it 50/50

about $60 is reasonable IMO.

[googoo]

Anyways on a long trip to Ottawa the friend is probably doing you a favor by offering company, and probably security as well. Just say you got tired, or sick and couldn't drive? Or you got bored and had no one to talk to? or got into an accident?

That is not a long trip, and if you can't stand being alone for 4-5 hours you've got bigger issues.

B

[Corleone187]

That is not a long trip, and if you can't stand being alone for 4-5 hours you've got bigger issues.

B

that's not true, there is a whole market for 2 hour trips because people get bored. It's called portable DVD players, and it's huge. Which means a good amount of people get bored in 2 hours or less! So it seems to be the norm to get bored during that time frame

[Xiaohaibao]

lol @ people saying "you are not a good friend" and "i would never charge my friends"

Since when are friends not allowed to charge friends money for service?

I am providing him with a ride for only $40 that would other wise cost him $150 for bus or train AND it would be less convenient. I get $40, and he saves at least $100, everybody wins.

[Corleone187]

lol @ people saying "you are not a good friend" and "i would never charge my friends"

Since when are friends not allowed to charge friends money for service?

I am providing him with a ride for only $40 that would other wise cost him $150 for bus or train AND it would be less convenient. I get $40, and he saves at least $100, everybody wins.

of course you are free to do whatever you want.

it's just some of the reasoning is a bit out there. For example people saying that you pay for insurance, maintenance or whatever for the car etc so thus he has to pay for gas.

but just say someone comes over to your house and then you have a beer with them? do you charge them $2 cause you paid for refrigeration, storage + taking the beers home from the beer store? If they went to the bar it would cost them $5 so you are doing them a favor and saving them $3 right? lol

it makes no sense, but whatever

[Xiaohaibao]

A beer is just a few bucks, not the same as a ride from toronto to ottawa and back which is worth at least $150.

[Corleone187]

A beer is just a few bucks, not the same as a ride from toronto to ottawa and back which is worth at least $150.

while that's true the beers probably add up to more over the course of a year $5x30 beers is already $150 so the beers will probably end up costing more, especially if you have snacks while you are drinking the beers

[LostInTruth]

Being a good friend has its limits. This is one of them.

[Setz]

A beer is just a few bucks, not the same as a ride from toronto to ottawa and back which is worth at least $150.

As others have said, don't ask him for money in advance. A good friend (him) should OFFER to help pay for gas. If he doesn't then on the way there suggest he chip in for gas. Never ask in advance, wait to see if he's the better man and chips in.

[ShaTR]

50/50 gas is fair. But money can be an uncomfortable subject. Besides, it's all fixed costs to you anyways, you'll make the trip regardless of whether he comes with you or not. So wear and tear is not an argument.

Realistically, the round trip probably costs you about 110L of premium gas, so about $150. He's paying 40 and you have some company, sounds like a decent setup. But if you really feel like you should get a bit more, just say "hey, mind if we split the gas 50 50 instead?"

Easy way to do it.

Upon departure you fill up the tank
Upon arrival at destination, he tops up your tank.

That's it.

Or you can just be content with the fact that he got a hot deal, and you got a nice discount ;)


*edit* now if you had something like a mazda 3, your fuel costs would only be $60... just sayin ;)

[googoo]

that's not true, there is a whole market for 2 hour trips because people get bored. It's called portable DVD players, and it's huge. Which means a good amount of people get bored in 2 hours or less! So it seems to be the norm to get bored during that time frame

Conctrate on driving, it's not supposed to be a party/roller coaster ride.

Brent

[elton5354]

Greyhound to Montreal cost about $40 both ways.

[Simaahoy]

It's your choice to charge your friend. Although real friends dont do that. Kijiji rideshare it is around 30-50$ bucks.

[Sanyo]

I don't get why people say he can't charge his friend?

His friend is going to Ottawa to visit parents, not to keep the original poster company -- so he is going for a purpose as well.

Plus, the friend is going every month (well from what it seems like) so it is quite reasonable to charge.

Now by charge I mean 50% of gas, not a flat fee. If the friend is only coming like once a year then I wouldn't charge, but if its every month, then its quite reasonable to ask for 50% of gas -- in fact I would be guilty if I was the friend and hitching a free ride every month to Ottawa and not offering to help with gas money. Even though your close friends, that's also taking advantage of somebody -- and OP also said he has to go out of his way 20 minutes -- so thats 40 minutes every time.

Anyways 50% of gas, maybe a meal at Mickie D's (or something like that) as a bonus and that's fair enough. Don't ask for any less or any more...

[Andro]

I live in markham and my parents live in ottawa and I visit them usually once a month. My friend also live in markham and his parents live in ottawa too so I usually drive him too (he doesn't have a car). We leave markham friday evening and come back sunday evening. I was wondering what is a fair price to charge him? Currently he pays me $40 every time, is it too low or too high or about right?

Some other facts:
We are very good friends, I know him since high school.
I would probably make this trip every month anyways, even if he didn't want to go I would go by myself.
I drive him door to door, he doesn't have to walk at all, even though his parents house is a little bit out of the way, maybe 20 minutes.
He usually brings some luggage, a few bags and boxes.
I drive a big car (acura mdx) so it's a very comfortable ride.


Why charge a friend when you are a high LIQUID net worth individual? You can afford it, 100k in LIQUID net worth goes a long way.

[Yu_Qing]

I live in markham and my parents live in ottawa and I visit them usually once a month. My friend also live in markham and his parents live in ottawa too so I usually drive him too (he doesn't have a car). We leave markham friday evening and come back sunday evening. I was wondering what is a fair price to charge him? Currently he pays me $40 every time, is it too low or too high or about right?

Some other facts:
We are very good friends, I know him since high school.
I would probably make this trip every month anyways, even if he didn't want to go I would go by myself.
I drive him door to door, he doesn't have to walk at all, even though his parents house is a little bit out of the way, maybe 20 minutes.
He usually brings some luggage, a few bags and boxes.
I drive a big car (acura mdx) so it's a very comfortable ride.

what is it with you kids these days? you already have an expensive car, but you can't afford to give your "friend" a ride? for you to even create a thread asking if $40 dollars is enough is just wrong.

if he knew how to be a good friend- he would offer to treat you to lunch, dinner to show his appreciation.

if YOU knew how to be a good friend- you wouldn't treat this like a business transaction. you said so yourself- you go home anyways with or without him. why charge to be kind?

[Yu_Qing]

If you're a good friend you won't ask him for money. If he's a good friend, he'll offer you a reasonable amount of money.

+1.

which by the way, is what the friend has done- paying 40 dollars per ride.

but the OP created this thread to see if this amount is reasonable. not a good friend period.

[Yu_Qing]

A beer is just a few bucks, not the same as a ride from toronto to ottawa and back which is worth at least $150.

...i can't believe someone who "has over 100K in the bank and only in his 20s" is counting how much beer costs and equating it to how much a friend should pay for a ride home.

[Y2K_MASTER]

...i can't believe someone who "has over 100K in the bank and only in his 20s" is counting how much beer costs and equating it to how much a friend should pay for a ride home.

Cuz he wants to keep his networth up there lol :P .

OP, you're doing the trip with or without him anyways right? I'd say around the 40$ range should be covering about half the gas.

Your car blowing a tire or something else is going to happen whether you have a passenger with you or not.

Now if a friend asks if you can drive them somewhere far out of your way for whatever reason (non-emergency) then I'd look at charging more

[ovechkin1]

truckers code?

[Forhad]

As both of you trip every month so you should not charge him more than 50% to 55% of the total cost.

[uber_shnitz]

Greyhound to Montreal cost about $40 both ways.

Anything involving Ottawa is more expensive :razz:

I actually calculated wiht my friend who goes to school in Ottawa and lives in Toronto. It'd be cheaper for him to go to Montreal then go to Toronto than a direct trip.

I'd say just look at your gas expenses and charge him roughly half (round it to the nearest). If 40$ is close to the half, then keep your current arrangement if not up it to slightly more. While it's true you're offering him a more comfortable ride than bus/train, the latter 2 are a business and oevrcharge to make profit. You just want to charge to make it worth your while. IMO the fact that he's willing to pay you shows his goodwill as a friend.

[UrbanPoet]

The going rate for car shares/car pools on kijiji is about $35 from Toronto to Ottawa...

[ever1221]

good friend and complaining about $40 loool this is hilarious.

[kingofwale]

lol @ people saying "you are not a good friend" and "i would never charge my friends"

Since when are friends not allowed to charge friends money for service?

I am providing him with a ride for only $40 that would other wise cost him $150 for bus or train AND it would be less convenient. I get $40, and he saves at least $100, everybody wins.

again, Didn't realize you are running a 'business'.

I wouldn't charge a friend anything, if they want to chip in or pay for gas, I wouldn't stop them.

but then again, I'm not 'high net worth" enough to know any better.

[MitSl]

normally if im headed to a place and a friend says they need a ride, ill let them for come for free. If it becomes a regular thing, I just say we split gas 50/50

usually when I go any long distances with a friend ill just pay half and buy him/her a meal on the trip

[aplayaz2000]

lol charging a friend...

depends on the journey though

[uber_shnitz]

The OP isn't "charging"... the friend offered to give him 40$ each tiem and he accepts it. He's just wondering if the amount is appropriate or if he should ask for a 50/50 on gas or something else.

[Xiaohaibao]

Actually the reason I started this topic is because my mom asked me how much he pays me for the ride and I said $40 and she said it's too low.

[Simaahoy]

Actually the reason I started this topic is because my mom asked me how much he pays me for the ride and I said $40 and she said it's too low.

Greyhoud is $40 and even cheaper a few days ahead. Rideshare tends to be around 30-50 bucks

[X820]

My best friend? I'm going to Ottawa no matter what? Once in a while, it would be free. If he's coming often, then 50/50 on gas.

[spike1128]

Actually the reason I started this topic is because my mom asked me how much he pays me for the ride and I said $40 and she said it's too low.

Now we know where you got your influences from. Like mother like son.

Personally, I think most of the RFDers have spoken. If you are a good friend, you charge him nothing if a few times a year. If he tag along too often, you charge for half the gas money. You are not there to make a profit. Moreover, it's less boring to have a friend tag along.

Remember, when you charge friend a lot, they would know that you are kinda ripping him off. Doesn't work well for you in the long run.

[MrMimizu]

Actually the reason I started this topic is because my mom asked me how much he pays me for the ride and I said $40 and she said it's too low.

Awesome. Where is the "Thanks" button? Somehow only saw this post today. Hilarious. Great job trolling! Gave me a good laugh when I needed one.
Gonna go read your other posts for jokes now.

[uber_shnitz]

Now we know where you got your influences from. Like mother like son.

Personally, I think most of the RFDers have spoken. If you are a good friend, you charge him nothing if a few times a year. If he tag along too often, you charge for half the gas money. You are not there to make a profit. Moreover, it's less boring to have a friend tag along.

Remember, when you charge friend a lot, they would know that you are kinda ripping him off. Doesn't work well for you in the long run.
Read the OP. His friend tags along every month. He gives 40$ per trip. The question really becomes is 40$ half of the gas it costs to go and come back? I don't think so.

[trixstar]

ur friend is nice since he is offering you gas money. If it was me, I would only charge maybe 10 bucks since its the cost of gas to get to his place from my place. You are going that direction anyway. Cheap people are cheap and will continue to be cheap in this world. You have a good friend but I hope he doesn't think the same about you.

[1xTiMeR]

OP, you're selfish and self-centered - yeah, i had to say it because nobody else would. You were going to make the trip anyways right? So why would he pay your more than what he could've spent getting there on his own? It so happens that your friend (probably no car), needs to make this trip. As friends, he would logically give you his ticket money and NOTHING more because he'd be paying more than what it would've costed him for the same service.

In his position, he can 1. take the train for less, or 2. pay you and he might even "owe" you one later as a thank you. If I was your 'friend' and you said 50/50, I'd pay you on the first trip but start taking the train and reevaluate our friendship because you have no idea what being a friend is about.

And to the posters about maintenance fees on the car... His friend doesn't own the car so why the hell would he pay for that? He might as well pay for music because it's using his electricity too or is in the 50/50 package?

OP just move on and stop making a fool out of yourself on this forum. You're lucky to have friends with your mentality.

[jabeen98]

If its on regular basis, split the gas bill.
Otherwise, ask him to treat you lunch.

I think these are good ideas, but if you don't need the money then just ask him to treat you to lunch.
My sister and her husband once came with me and my now ex-husband to Montreal in our car. We shared all costs
such as petrol, food, hotel and she complained to my mum about it. 25 years later I don't think she's ever
forgotten this. So yes, save your good friendship, appreciate his companionship for a drive you'll make anyhow.

[whampoa]

You all forget one important point, does OP friend comes with benefit.

I will think this little detail make all the difference between charging and getting a free ride.

[UrbanPoet]

Well the op is in his early 20s and has over $100k in his bank account. I'm sure he can handle it.

[second2none]

I drive a big car (acura mdx) so it's a very comfortable ride.

LOL... this is the funniest part.

[spike1128]

Read the OP. His friend tags along every month. He gives 40$ per trip. The question really becomes is 40$ half of the gas it costs to go and come back? I don't think so.

It depends, it has to be adjusted to be half the gas money. I think the OP wants to ask more.

I sure lucky I am not Bao's friend.

[uber_shnitz]

It depends, it has to be adjusted to be half the gas money. I think the OP wants to ask more.

I sure lucky I am not Bao's friend.
That's not unreasonable given that 40$ is probably noticeably less than half of the gas required to come and back.

[Clement]

lol i guess the rfd mentality is showing, everyone's just thinking from their own perspective and saying "I deserve that free ride".

it's not unreasonable at all to start at that 50% gas money benchmark and adjust from there depending on situation. i'd pony up money if i ever had to ask a ride from a friend at that distance.

[Abel4Life]

If you're charging him anything, I wouldn't call him your "good friend".

Wrong. If the friend doesn't pitch in then that's wrong on his part.

[wilsonlam97]

OP, you're selfish and self-centered - yeah, i had to say it because nobody else would. You were going to make the trip anyways right? So why would he pay your more than what he could've spent getting there on his own? It so happens that your friend (probably no car), needs to make this trip. As friends, he would logically give you his ticket money and NOTHING more because he'd be paying more than what it would've costed him for the same service.

In his position, he can 1. take the train for less, or 2. pay you and he might even "owe" you one later as a thank you. If I was your 'friend' and you said 50/50, I'd pay you on the first trip but start taking the train and reevaluate our friendship because you have no idea what being a friend is about.

And to the posters about maintenance fees on the car... His friend doesn't own the car so why the hell would he pay for that? He might as well pay for music because it's using his electricity too or is in the 50/50 package?

OP just move on and stop making a fool out of yourself on this forum. You're lucky to have friends with your mentality.

I agree with you. You were harsh but to the point. OP is way too cheap. Nobody likes that.

[jacobe]

Split the gas sounds fair.

[kindred_99]

The problem is that people can take advantage. There's nothing wrong with having the friend pay for half the gas, he wouldn't me much of a friend if he didn't. The OP is going anyway, it doesn't mean he should pick up anyone along the way. I have been on camping/road trips with friends, I have one friend who prefers to drive and I always pay for gas even if he doesn't want me to. When he gets out to pump I go inside and pay and he appreciates it but would never ask.

You do have to think about things like wear and tear on the car, the OP is taking all the risk and the friend is getting away with a cheap door-to-door ride. If anything the friend should pay for half the gas and offer to buy lunch/coffee whatever not so much for the money but as a thank you gesture. If the friend has a car take turns driving and split the gas each time. Its not about being cheap, its about being fair, even with friends. If one person is always paying more than the other its not much of a friendship.

[windforcexx28]

Splitting 50% for gas + offering food afterward sounds reasonable imo.

[Agafaba]

The problem is that people can take advantage. There's nothing wrong with having the friend pay for half the gas, he wouldn't me much of a friend if he didn't. The OP is going anyway, it doesn't mean he should pick up anyone along the way. I have been on camping/road trips with friends, I have one friend who prefers to drive and I always pay for gas even if he doesn't want me to. When he gets out to pump I go inside and pay and he appreciates it but would never ask.

You do have to think about things like wear and tear on the car, the OP is taking all the risk and the friend is getting away with a cheap door-to-door ride. If anything the friend should pay for half the gas and offer to buy lunch/coffee whatever not so much for the money but as a thank you gesture. If the friend has a car take turns driving and split the gas each time. Its not about being cheap, its about being fair, even with friends. If one person is always paying more than the other its not much of a friendship.

in this case there isnt much wear and tear involved as the OP is going on the trip regardless of what his friend decides. 50/50 is fair either way though, $100+ is a bit much.

[goodguy90]

My philosophy in situations like this is never to ask for money. If they're a good friend, they'll offer to either pay me on their own accord or cover the cost of food/drinks whenever we're out to have a bite.

If I'm on the receiving end, I never explicitly offer money. In my opinion, offering or expecting money like that kind of suggests that money is more important than goodwill in genuine friendship and puts somewhat of a rift between the two. Instead, I make sure to cover whatever expenses (food/drink/whatever) we come across on the way. I don't even ask, I just pay.

But if they outright ask for gas $$$, I'll pay for it.