Car-less? Increase Your Chances of Getting a Ride

Being car-less can be a drag, especially if you need a ride. Maybe you can't get to work or another important event without four wheels. Or, you just don't have the money to rent transportation for the weekend. Either way, you can increase your chances of getting a ride by following a few tactics. Just:

1- Ask 24-hours in advance.
Ask for a ride at least one day in advance. This way, the person you want to give you a lift has enough time to rearrange his schedule. If you wait until the last minute, you may be out of luck or put someone out.

2- Be ready for pick up.
Increase your chances of getting a ride by being ready at the time of pick up. This statement is especially true if you're on your way to work. You don't want to make a co-worker late because you overslept or have no concept of time. If you make this type of behavior a habit, after a while, people will start saying no.

3- Don't be a backseat driver.
You may be an excellent driver when you have a car, but since you're getting a ride, reserve judgement. Avoid telling your temporary chauffer how to change lanes, break or make their way to a certain destination. If this person wants your input, he'll ask for it. So be quiet unless you want to lose the support of a kind person willing to get you from "a" to "b".

4- Leave when your ride is ready.
Unfortunately, if you're taken to an event or work by another person, you need to leave when they are ready. Increase your chances of getting a ride - in the future - by not holding this person hostage. Or, at the very least, find another way home and be sure to tell your ride immediately.

5- Offer money to compensate for gas.
Even if your ride refuses to take a penny, the offer of gas money is always well accepted. This gesture shows you understand the person is doing you a favor and you are grateful. You should consider doing this when you get rides on a regular basis or go to a destination several miles away.

6- Avoid treating your ride like a taxi.
Be considerate. Increase your chances of getting a ride by not treating the person helping you like a taxi. Some people are really nice and hate hurting other people's feelings. As a result, they are more apt to do things that they want to for others. Stay true to your best self and don't take advantage of them. Unless they want to hang with you or have nothing else to do, don't ask for rides all over town.

Follow these suggestion and you will always be able to get a ride somewhere. If not, prepare to get on the bus or take a long walk to your destination.