Drivers Rejecting their Passengers

Majority of people doesn't have their own vehicles, thus they are relying on public transportation systems. But what if drivers or operators will reject you to take a ride? Surely, it would be insulting. I remember when I am in Baguio City, I was rejected by taxi drivers because either my destination which is a bit far or they prefer to give a ride for fewer passengers.

Rejected by tricycle drivers

Here in the Philippines, tricycles is a common transportation. It's like the taxi version of smaller cities or towns. They composed of a motorcycle, and built a cab or sidecar on it.

I was being rejected by tricycle drivers a lot of time. In fact, I was rejected more than 5 times yesterday. My destination is less than a kilometer, it wasn't that far. It was hot then so I prefer to take a ride. But to my dismay, I decided to walk.

Annoying things about these drivers

• Some drivers are too greedy that they even overcharge you 3-5 times of the fare. It's already been an issue, and the local government knows about it, and they warned the drivers. However, these drivers goes on with their schemes.

• Some drivers will ask you first how much you will pay before giving the ride. If you replied the exact amount, they will force you to add more, and make excuses of the distance. I had an experience once when this driver took me for a ride. While on our way, he told me to pay 40 PHP. What? Four times of the actual fare? The ride is just a little less than a kilometer. He told me that the traffic is heavy in the area. I told him to drop me in the town proper which is nearer. He insisted to bring me to my destination but I hardly refused. Guess what? There is no heavy traffic in the area! I had a good decision to walk and pay the right price.

• Colorum tricycle drivers are more picky. They even overcharge even in a short distance.

I know a lot of people can relate in such situation. But these drivers should admit that they are doing the wrong things. They will not give you a ride of there are lots of passengers. You will be treated like a superstar if they can't hardly find a passenger. It's just annoying when they reject you even you know to yourself that you will pay with the right price.

Not all drivers act like what are mentioned above. Some drivers are kind enough to their passengers. It's not a generalization, but all those mentioned above were practices of some drivers.

Disclaimer: The tricycle and the driver in the picture do not signify the kind of drivers stated above. Photo is mine.