Should I split petrol costs with a colleague when I'm already driving past her house?
The complainant says
A colleague drives past my house on her way to work, so she offered me a lift every day. That's been a massive help and saves me about an hour a day on buses.
After two months, she asked if I'd contribute £25 a week towards petrol. I was a bit surprised, because she'd be driving that route anyway, and the bus would cost me about £20 a week. I offered £10 a week, and now things are awkward in the car.
The other side says the colleague, as the complainant tells it
I say that since she drives the route anyway, my being in the car doesn't cost her anything extra. I'm happy to contribute something, but £25 is more than the bus.
Jury discussion (5 comments)
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Saving an hour a day and paying less than the bus? Pay the £20 and say thank you.
£25 is more than the bus, so that's a bit much. Somewhere between £15 and £20 seems fair.
Meet at the bus price. Nobody can argue with the bus price.
Lifts aren't free even if you're going anyway. Extra wear, a wait if you're late, less flexibility.
Two months of free lifts before asking is very patient of her honestly.