Should my work colleague give me petrol money in the following situation?

Question

i commute by car every day to work, the drive takes me an hour, and i have been making this trip to work and back on my own for 1 year. recently i found that one of my work colleagues lives only a street away, who was commuting by public transport. i gave her a lift to and from work one day, but now this has been a daily occurence for the last 2 months. not once has she offered me any petrol money, nor have i asked for it. should i ask her for a contribution towards the petrol, given that i have to make the journey with or without her in the car. i feel rude asking, and think it would be good etiquette for her to offer. she is, after all, saving money on public transport. any advice?

Answer 1

She should have offered.  I see two approaches, both valid.  One is to ask her if she would mind giving you some petrol money.  If she refuses or makes a big deal out of it, then you will know for certain the type of person she is and act accordingly.  The other is to stop giving her rides without bringing up money.  It's up to you what, if any, reason you give her for stopping.  One "legitimate" reason is a change in your schedule, such as starting to exercise in the morning before work.

Answer 2

If in the last 2 months no offer has been made, then it is safe to assume that none would come and the intent may be absent. Great that you are also not the type to ask but politeness must consider that this cost must come up at one point. Given that she has the comfort, safety and convenience better than the commute, and that it is costing you as well, I would not consider it rude to pick up an opportunity to raise this issue and clear not only your chest but hers as well. Lets just say that she could be embarrased to offer you right now....

Answer 3

I personally would do it for a colleague without asking for money as you go the same route anyhow.. I wouldn't dream of the need to ask for petrol money as it doesn't take you out of your way.. and if I was her.. I would either give you petrol money or I would if you and her got along fine as colleagues.. say.. ''Let's go out for a meal..I want to thank you for giving me a lift to work in the mornings''  or I would bring a little surprise gift as a thank you to work and give that to you instead of money....'' I definitely would do something if I was her.. but I personally definitely also wouldn't ask for any money but that's just the way I feel and how I am...

Answer 4

thats tough u deserve the money maybe try to hint it by by complaining about gas  money

Answer 5

Ask her for money. You make think its bad, but it's the best thing you can do for her. If you are a guy, it is the best thing to do because that way she knows you wont ask for other things like sexual favors. If you are a girl, you should ask her to give you money and that would strengthen your friendship believe it from personal experience. I was offered a ride from a female friend. She never asked me to pay her but if she asked me to pay her I would and would not hold it in any way against her.

Answer 6

She should put SOMETHING in the kitty. BUT, what is her public transit time as opposed to your private lory? If it is significantly shorter THAN she  should put up HALF of the petrol money. (here in the colonies we call it gasoline)

If you DON'T ask she will never offer. Put it to her straight away, if the transport is of BENEFIT to you, put in half of the fuel costs. Does she get to snooze in an extra 15-30 minutes because of your generosity, WHAT is THAT worth?

Answer 7

Its really nice that you are giving her a lift each day but don't let her walk all over you. She should be offering you at least a bit of money, considering its way easier to get a lift than to catch p/t. I think now would be the time for assertiveness. If you want to be subtle, fill up on the way to work or home with her in the car. Hopefully then she will offer you. If she doesn't, well then she's kinda rude and you shouldn't feel so bad about politely asking her if she could help with the petrol!

Answer 8

It may not have occurred to her to offer you money or she may be operating on the premise that if you wanted money, you'd ask.

You can ask her directly, or be more subtle and stop at the gas station on the way to work and fuss a bit over the price as you fill up.

Either way, whether she offers or not, don't feel obliged to drive her each and every day. Don't change your plans or not make plans to not go directly home from work just because you usually take her home.

Good luck and I hope it all works out.

Answer 9

You need to broach the subject.  She is not entitled to a free ride.  It does sound very beneficial for the both of you.  Happy commuting.

Answer 10

She is getting a free ride, literally, and is taking advantage of your generosity. Where is the win in this for you? Do you enjoy her company this much? She should have offered at the very beginning and repeated her offer after a decent interval. Stop picking her up regularly. Maybe you have other plans. Perhaps a few days on public transport will make her appreciate you a bit more.