Asking to Take Three?

I don't slug or drive to work anymore but when I did slug I never asked if somebody could take a third. I figured if they wanted a third they'd say it. I just waited my turn. Certainly don't feel obligated to take a third. It's your car, totally up to you how many you want to take. When I drove to work I didn't ask for a third because I didn't want too and don't like anybody sitting directly behind. Again, my car, my decision.

I used to drive a minivan and got sick of people asking if I would take an "extra" rider. On the way into work I will not take three because if traffic is a mess, then once I get into DC I have an "extra" stop to make which makes me even later to work. Now on the way home, I will take an extra since we are all going to one place.

I don't often use the sluglines on my way home, but have a handful of times. That's the only time I've been asked to take 3. If it's late, I say I don't mind if you don't mind (my car is not that big), but if the line is long and it's early, I will take 2 to leave help for the next driver. Love the slug lines!
L

quote:

---

Originally posted by N_or_S_bound
[br]There is something to be said for NOT asking to "take 3". Asking sets up this whole guilt thing to happen that starts to spark in a subtle way the nagging feeling of guilt in drivers.
I've spoken to formers drivers in recent weeks about why they quit and the nagging of slugs looking for folks to take extra riders is one of the most common reasons folks quit picking up slugs. I'll not go into the whole list of other reasons offered (some very reasonable, others not quite so).
And before anyone starts bombing me, I'm just passing on what I've found from others who USED TO drive and no longer do. I know these people and they're fairly rational people...maybe more so than you and me.
NoSb

---

No reason to "bomb" ya but when I'm first in line at the SLUG line I always ask the driver "where ya going?" and "How Many?" I think that's appropriate since most drivers (especially in the morning) are not in the "talkative" mood so want to be sure he/she is going in the correct destination and make it clear how many they want to take. If I get a destination and nothing on how many, I ASSume the minimum of 3 to a car rule (counting driver) and go. When I was driving I had no problem with someone asking if I would take a third if 1) it was inclement weather (I would offer to begin with), 2) it was late in the day nearing HOV nonexemption time, or 3) line was very long. I believe most drivers and SLUGs operate via this method and for the Route 3 line, it's usually a nice experience and it seems we all get along and move the line appropriately.

By all means ask... I'm not offended and often will take the third since I have the larger vehicle. It was more difficult when I had the small car (limited leg space and only one place to hang my jacket).

If the driver doesn't want a third all they have to do is say no...