33. The Five Minute Rule

I was called to pick up a passenger and I drove to the pick up spot and parked. The rideshare I use gives passengers two minutes to get to the vehicle. After that, it gives them another five minute leeway, during which they are charged, to get to the ride. 

The two minutes waiting time passed, and I was in the five minute zone. That five minute zone can oftentimes feel like a lifetime. I have been in it often. I have had passengers come down just as the time is about to expire and I get so annoyed. After five minutes, I’m allowed to cancel the ride and get paid a cancellation fee. 

Normally, if I do not hear something from the passenger, I will cancel. But if the passenger calls or text me (via the app), I will wait. 

This passenger did not call or text. And so I left. I got a mile away when I got a notification from the same passenger still looking for a ride. I returned to the scene of the crime. 

Again, the two minute waiting period passed and I was in the five minute zone. After another three minutes the ride was canceled. Rezafraza… i get paid for the waiting time but not for the cancellation. 

I decided to wait to see if they would make another call. And sure enough, a minute later, they did. I decided to wait this time… out of spite! 

The two minute period passed, once more, again, feeling like an eternity, and now we were in the five minute zone. 

Sure enough, the time started ticking down. As it approached the last minute, I thought “Oh they’re  going to pass the five minute mark, but if I see them start walking up, I will cancel the ride and laugh in their face. Mwa ha ha!!!”

Well, I saw them walking up and then they texted me. Curses. I always say if they text me, I will respond. The passenger said “On my way”, and so I responded, “OK.” 

They got into the car and then I noticed they had two stops. They looked like they had been partaking of the marijuana a bit this evening. Probably how they missed the notifications for the last two rides.

Their first stop was a Walmart supermarket. They got out and said “I will be right back.” 

Again, for these multiple stop trips, they get a two minute leeway to do their thing and then they’re on the clock. I figured they would be on the clock for five minutes like the original ride. I’ve never had anyone push it past five on me.

But after the five minutes expired, it just kept ticking… not giving me the option of canceling. I ended up waiting 12 more minutes for them to finish their shopping. 

They got back into the car, thanking me for waiting and then we were onto the next stop. 

Of course, the next stop was a weed shop. I should have assumed as much. We got there and again they told me “I’ll just be a minute.” 

Of course, the two minutes timed out and we were into the five minute zone… except I know now that it’s not just five minutes. Well, this time they only took eight extra minutes. 

They got back in the car and the next stop was back to their apartment. I am guessing they picked up snacks from Walmart and picked up their smoke from the weed store. They were all set for the evening. 

I probably could have earned more money going out and picking up rides in the wasted time I waited for them. But I still got paid something for my time. 

And the passenger managed to arrange for themselves a night of Netflix and chill. 

Or at least the chill part.