Appeal for change... |
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lsbrkmn
New Slug Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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lsbrkmn
New Slug Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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A Failing System...
To answer one slugs post - I don't think the system works well anymore, at all. I pick up slugs less than even last year due to various problems I have had. This system is a failing one and change is needed. Most drivers I speak to do agree with me too. They just go along with it, because no one wants to be the first to change the system. But, once in a while when I do drive, I put a donation can out so maybe some considerate slugs donate. If this web site posted "donations appreciated" on their home page, many slugs might contribute. That would be nice and very much appreciated by all the drivers. A couple dollars donation is less than a cup of coffee, a bus or the metro. Another issue I have with the failing system is the drivers liability for unknown riders. I had a situation as a driver a few years ago. I very heavy lady (over 300 lbs.) rode with me for several months as a slugger. She worked in an office close to mine in DC. After a couple months, I noticed my back wheel was wobbling. I brought the car in to my mechanic. He asked me if I had been transporting heavy equipment in the back seat or trunk. I told him about my regular slugger. He asked if I had driven by any construction sites or pot holes with her in the car. I said yes I thought so, since there are many of both in DC. He said my rear axal had fractured and had to be replaced, due to the constant excessive weight in the back seat. I told the woman about it and that I could no longer give her a ride. I never accused her of breaking the axal, and could have taken her to court to pay for the damages, but I didn't. It upset me that I was libel for the damages and she got to ride in my car for free for 2 months. I don't think slugs remember that the drivers have to pay for damages that slugs incur, while in their car. Also over a period of time, my inside door panels have came loose due to riders slamming the doors shut. I ask them not to do it, but it is sometimes too late. I have to pay for those repairs too. Both of these problems would have never happened if I did not pick up slugs. The current system only works for the slugs. Yes, I could take the regular Rt.95 route, or alternative routes, which I have done more lately. I would rather drive alone without damages and rude people, or people who think life is a free ride. Why do you think more people are slugging and less driving? It is because of the price of gas and the economy. Why not help the drivers out, a little? We could make a change for the better of the entire community - not just to benefit the slugs. |
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Elemental
New Slug Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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>>The current system only works for the slugs.<<
I have to object to this statement and I am primarily a driver. Gas prices are up, the economy is down, so drivers may be feeling the financial pinch more these days. Don't forget that the riders are sacrificing their time to participate in this system. From what I've seen the lines are getting longer & longer = more wait time for the riders. |
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mdog
New Slug Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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lsbrkmn, while I understand your concern and frustration, I can't help but object some of your points. The impact of having an extra rider is so minimal to a car mileage, especially on highways, that this argument is laughable. So is the "fractured axel" story. You car is designed to carry much more than a 300lb woman (yikes!), so unless you car is in a crappy condition - and this includes bad shocks,- multiplied by your bad driving technique, that
And keep in mind, as soon as money is involved, in riders eyes you become responsible for any troubles - see the other topic where someone wants to go after driver's insurance. |
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colossus911
New Slug Joined: 19 May 2006 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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>A Failing Syste<
Absurd!!! Listen, this system is perfect as is and anyone who is so greedy to think that they aren't getting a benefit needs to recount their blessings. Just as a reminder, and by no means a complete list... Slugs benefit by saving driving costs, wear and tear, and parking costs. They sacrafice having a car at work, actually getting to their job (working at 4th and B while getting out at 7th and D), and occasionaly risking getting stuck in town when working late. Drivers get to skip an hour of traffic (AT LEAST, some skip 2) and have their car at work in case of emergency. They sacrafice once in town driving a couple of blocks out of the way to drop people off and the occasional stinky/rude/talkative slugs. What drivers dont sacrafice, gas milage! Any driver who believes that they would save on gas by traveling at 15 mph in the main lanes vs carrying two people at 65 in the HOV lands has no idea about how the car works. My two and a half bits. PS I drive. |
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122582
New Slug Joined: 28 Apr 2005 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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Two for free, three for ten dollars.
Keep slugging alive - tip your driver today! |
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Springfield slug
New Slug Joined: 22 Sep 2008 Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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When drivers start leaving out tip jars is when I discontinue slugging.
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DBL R
New Slug Joined: 04 Mar 2008 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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When all else fails, go back to basics. Like a friend of mine said....if you aint drivin' then you aint $itchin'. I have been slugging since 2001. Assume a total car load of 3 unless the driver offers up for more. It is his/her car, get in, sit down, and shut up and ride.
Thanks for the drivers and riders. Riley |
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n/a
New Slug Joined: 17 Dec 2001 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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quote: lsbrkmn, thanks for your commentary on my lifestyle. I appreciate you solving my standard of living problems with your advice that I need to scale down my car to make your life easier!? Its also refreshing to hear someone who obviously has it all figured out about what is fair and beneficial for all other slug drivers and riders! You certainly have some keen insights! You and 122582 should go ahead and follow their conscience and leave tip jars in your cars. You should also remember to post signs in your windows to alert slug riders of your position on charging fees. The sign should read "NO FREE RIDES," "TAXI," or "I HATE SLUGS!" Good luck with your vanpool (or your TAXI service)! And good riddance! We slugs don't need your selfish and greedy attitudes. Of course, when you start charging fees for rides, you're not slugging anymore, are you!? I know slugging is not a perfect system, but it is far better than the fee-based system you suggest. A better suggestion is for slug riders to take their fair turn driving one or two days per week. That's what I do; ride a few days and drive a few days each week and pick up slugs. Share the costs, share the burder, share the love! Now that's what slugging is all about! |
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logrolls
New Slug Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Location: VA Status: Offline Points: 0 |
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It isn't always about the "affordability" of driving.
Hmm, let's see - TIME....PARKING AVAILABILITY....ENVIRONMENT....STRESS OF TRAFFIC There are a lot of reasons why I sometimes slug. Money has little to do with it. I can drive a nice car and slug at times, too. Who is anyone to judge one based on the car (s)he drives. That's what's shallow! Slugging is about personal choice - not financial status. Get over yourself and your "tip" jar. Your gas would be the same with or without slugs, but your travel time wouldn't be. And for the record, I drive just as much as I slug. |
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