August 27, 2009 – Cheaper Last Time?

            Sailor: How much to I.B. (Imperial Beach)

            Me: Upwards of $25.

            Sailor: What do you mean?

            Me: $25 to the front end of I.B., the closest part.

            Sailor: So how much to where I’m going?

            Me: Where do you want to go?

            Sailor: By the 5 (Interstate 5).

            Me:  Around $28.

            Sailor: It was $20 last time.

            Me: No it wasn’t.

            Sailor: Yeah, so will you do it for $20.

            Me: No.

            Sailor: Well that’s what it was last time.

            Me:  I don’t set the rates, the city does.  They are set by mileage, and             whatever the meter comes out to is going to be your fare.  I can take             whatever route that you would like me to, but it’s going to be at least $27.

            Sailor: Ok

                        We arrive 15 minutes later…

           

            Me: $27.40

            Sailor: Ok. (Gives me exactly 27.40).

            Me: Thanks

            Sailor: Sorry, I’d give more but that’s all I got.

            Me: Wow, you must really be good at estimation.  If the meter rolled over another 20 cents I guess we would be in trouble huh.

            Sailor: (Confused) Yeah.

I had asked a tough question…