View Full Version : overpriced shuttles
Walkie Talkie
06-28-2008, 19:07
A few years ago shuttles cost $1 a mile. Now everybody is at least $2 per mile. I know fuel cost have gone up, even doubled. That shouldn't make the entire price double, just the fuel cost. I need a shuttle from Standing Indian campground to Springer on the 4th. It is a 70 mile drive. Everyone want $165 or $175 for a shuttle. If a person only got 20 mpg, and I would hope they got more, it would only cost $30 for gas. So they want $30 per hour to drive in the woods for a 4 hour round trip. I have thu'd and now I want to section it again but it just cost to much for a shuttle.
Storyteller56
06-28-2008, 19:32
First off most shuttles are vans which get 12 miles to the gallon in the hills that
amounts to $50 just for gas then there is the cost of owning & maintaining the
van then don't forget the cost of insurance. Then since this is a business dear old
Uncle sam gets about 25% then there is the drivers wage how much do you work for
this is not a pleasure drive in the country for them it's a job. Try checking out what a taxi would charge you if you think that's a high price are you in for a suprise!! why
not try hitchhiking it's free.
Walkie Talkie
06-28-2008, 19:58
I am sure that the only shuttle that ever reported it to Uncle Sam was a taxi that I took from Harpers Ferry to SNP. That taxi cost me only $75 for a 70 mile shuttle. If only North GA had a taxi I wouldn't have this problem. Taxis really don't cost $2.25 per mile. Although the hitch hiking idea is a good one.
bigcranky
06-28-2008, 19:59
Well, if it's 70 miles one way, it's 140 round trip (the shuttle driver has to go home), and unless he or she lives at Standing Indian, you can add the drive to pick you up there. Probably closer to 160-175 miles total for the driver. Plus, it's a holiday, and your driver is going to spend 4 hours driving so you can have your hike.
The shuttle is part of the cost of section hiking. I don't like it either, but I suck it up and pay it or I don't get to hike.
peter_pan
06-28-2008, 20:03
A few years ago shuttles cost $1 a mile. Now everybody is at least $2 per mile. I know fuel cost have gone up, even doubled. That shouldn't make the entire price double, just the fuel cost. I need a shuttle from Standing Indian campground to Springer on the 4th. It is a 70 mile drive. Everyone want $165 or $175 for a shuttle. If a person only got 20 mpg, and I would hope they got more, it would only cost $30 for gas. So they want $30 per hour to drive in the woods for a 4 hour round trip. I have thu'd and now I want to section it again but it just cost to much for a shuttle.
Don't like the price? Have your wife shuttle you..... See what that costs...:D:D:D
Pan
The problem with too many hikers is they want premium services at bargain-basement prices.
Maybe, but for the price of shuttling from Fontana Dam to Clingman's Dome, it was cheaper for my wife and me to drive two vehicles from Nashville and shuttle ourselves at both ends. There is a limit to how much you should reasonably charge, and that limit was exceeded in out case.
In some areas, you can get very reasonable rates for shuttling. In others, it borders on literal highway robbery.
Walkie Talkie
06-28-2008, 21:01
I'll be sucking it up again and overpaying. Either that or find a loop trail somewhere. I just think they have used high gas prices to to increase the entire cost by double not just the fuel cost. They should get a windfall tax or something. Maybe if they knew me better they would do it for the joy of my company.
So they want $30 per hour to drive in the woods for a 4 hour round trip.
How much do you make an hour at your work?
I make $24 and use of a truck and unlimited gas at work. And I get to work at least 8 hours a day, not 4.
The shuttle sounds like a good deal to me.
Maybe if they knew me better they would do it for the joy of my company.
After hearing your whining here, I wouldnt want you in my car...
In some areas, you can get very reasonable rates for shuttling. In others, it borders on literal highway robbery.
It's not highway robbery when you are volunteering to pay someone for a shuttle. No one is ever forced to use a shuttle, it's a decision.
I'm fortunate my wife and friends are always willing to shuttle me when possible, and I've only had to resort to a shuttle on a few occasions. They weren't cheap, but I understand they are going out of there way to offer me a service. And I make it a point to always pay a few extra bucks regardless of the cost, just an extra token of appreciation for the person taking the time to help me out.
After hearing your whining here, I wouldnt want you in my car...
...lol...
jonesat11
06-28-2008, 21:31
I'm with you Phreak. I just taked to Del that shuttles Roanoke VA. area. Sounds like a great guy that is helping the trail community and making a living from it. Nothing wrong with that. Guess he has been around for a while. It is the price we pay to get to the woods.
I have old business cards from Levy Long in Bastian Va. and Ol Shaw from Maine.
smokymtnsteve
06-28-2008, 21:33
maybe walk back to GA to dicks creek and shuttle or hitch from there?
kayak karl
06-28-2008, 21:40
A few years ago shuttles cost $1 a mile. Now everybody is at least $2 per mile. I know fuel cost have gone up, even doubled. That shouldn't make the entire price double, just the fuel cost. I need a shuttle from Standing Indian campground to Springer on the 4th. It is a 70 mile drive. Everyone want $165 or $175 for a shuttle. If a person only got 20 mpg, and I would hope they got more, it would only cost $30 for gas. So they want $30 per hour to drive in the woods for a 4 hour round trip. I have thu'd and now I want to section it again but it just cost to much for a shuttle.
It says in your profile your an Electrician. Don't get me started about over charging:D:D:D
Jack Tarlin
06-28-2008, 21:58
There's an extraordinarily simple remedy for folks who don't wish to pay shuttle costs they think are exorbitant:
You're an a hiking trip, right?
So start walking. :D
Survivor Dave
06-28-2008, 22:14
I am sure that the only shuttle that ever reported it to Uncle Sam was a taxi that I took from Harpers Ferry to SNP. That taxi cost me only $75 for a 70 mile shuttle. If only North GA had a taxi I wouldn't have this problem. Taxis really don't cost $2.25 per mile. Although the hitch hiking idea is a good one.
I'm gonna have to correct you there WT. There are shuttle services that do take care of what they need to as far as permits, taxes, and so on. It's pretty ballsy to blanket statement them all.
As far as the shuttle, most only think of THEIR point A to point B, eventually they have to go home, huh?
I have used a couple of services from the Hiker Hostel, Joyce and Sally out of Hiawassee, and Ron Haven in Franklin. I never had a problem with any of them.
It's kind of like being a professional golfer and their caddy. The hiker is going out for pleasure as well as the golfer. The caddy and the shuttler help with this service. What makes them have any less right to charge whatever they feel fair. You can always pick another caddy, call your taxi friend, or as Jack says, you can hike.
SD
Lone Wolf
06-28-2008, 22:24
A few years ago shuttles cost $1 a mile. Now everybody is at least $2 per mile. I know fuel cost have gone up, even doubled. That shouldn't make the entire price double, just the fuel cost. I need a shuttle from Standing Indian campground to Springer on the 4th. It is a 70 mile drive. Everyone want $165 or $175 for a shuttle. If a person only got 20 mpg, and I would hope they got more, it would only cost $30 for gas. So they want $30 per hour to drive in the woods for a 4 hour round trip. I have thu'd and now I want to section it again but it just cost to much for a shuttle.
i'm cheap. i took a guy to pearisburg the other day. it's 106 miles. i got $100
perhaps you should jsut post the shuttle cost here and ask if anyone would be willing to do it for less:eek:
Lone Wolf
06-28-2008, 22:26
I'll be sucking it up again and overpaying. Either that or find a loop trail somewhere. I just think they have used high gas prices to to increase the entire cost by double not just the fuel cost. They should get a windfall tax or something. Maybe if they knew me better they would do it for the joy of my company.
hitchhike. screw shuttlers
The Old Fhart
06-28-2008, 22:37
In 2000 Nimblewill Nomad and I had a discussion in the USFS42 parking lot with a shuttle provider. Any commercial service in that area needs a permit or they get heavily fined. I had a similar talk with a SNP provider out of Front Royal a couple of years ago and found they are regulated as well. I have used shuttles a few times and had no complaints about their fees or their service, which I greatly appreciated.
The problem isn't overcharging, it is cheap hikers who feel that everyone should treat them special because they're hiking the A.T.
Survivor Dave
06-28-2008, 22:48
In 2000 Nimblewill Nomad and I had a discussion in the USFS42 parking lot with a shuttle provider. Any commercial service in that area needs a permit or they get heavily fined. I had a similar talk with a SNP provider out of Front Royal a couple of years ago and found they are regulated as well. I have used shuttles a few times and had no complaints about their fees or their service, which I greatly appreciated.
The problem isn't overcharging, it is cheap hikers who feel that everyone should treat them special because they're hiking the A.T.
I agree as well. To have the permit, at least in Ga., it costs a few hundred dollars EACH year. In order to acquire the permit, you have to maintain(or increase) you policy to 1 million dollars as well. Going up and down forest service roads for months at a time beats the hell out of any vehicle. They need to be maintained as well.
I find it funny that someone will spend the mucho dollar for the latest and greatest gear, but when it's time to go play, they nickel and dime you down. Hmmm....I think Rachel Ray is accused of that. A bad tipper.
Your right Phart, there are those hikers that might consider themselves "above". :rolleyes:
SD
If the route is that popular, maybe they should build a walking trail.
Lone Wolf
06-28-2008, 22:58
I agree as well. To have the permit, at least in Ga., it costs a few hundred dollars EACH year. In order to acquire the permit, you have to maintain(or increase) you policy to 1 million dollars as well. Going up and down forest service roads for months at a time beats the hell out of any vehicle. They need to be maintained as well.
I find it funny that someone will spend the mucho dollar for the latest and greatest gear, but when it's time to go play, they nickel and dime you down. Hmmm....I think Rachel Ray is accused of that. A bad tipper.
Your right Phart, there are those hikers that might consider themselves "above". :rolleyes:
SD
works both ways. a business/shuttle provider here in town pulled a beaut here recently. a hiker reserved a shuttle to dennis cove. bob peoples of kincora was here dropping off a hiker. the one that reserved a shuttle overheard that bob was going back there. bob offered to take him. no charge of course, going there anyway. the hiker accepted. the business/shuttler was peaved wanting the fee. not cool. i've helped lots of hikers for free cuz i was going to a certain destination
****, next thing you know some of you will be complaining about the price of The North Face jackets.
$2 Bucks a mile for seems a fair fare, though.
Lone Wolf
06-28-2008, 23:05
****, next thing you know some of you will be complaining about the price of The North Face jackets.
$2 Bucks a mile for seems a fair fare, though.
i disagree.
Survivor Dave
06-28-2008, 23:06
Yeah, I've done a few "going that ways" myself helping out. It would however piss me off if someone arranged a shuttle with someone that drove a long distance to acommodate, only to get burned and have to swallow that cost.
Yes, it is a two way thing. Reminds me of a pizza delivery story. I remember when folks used to(and still do) call a few pizza places, and whoever showed up first got paid. Same difference with the shuttler.
SD
works both ways. a business/shuttle provider here in town pulled a beaut here recently. a hiker reserved a shuttle to dennis cove. bob peoples of kincora was here dropping off a hiker. the one that reserved a shuttle overheard that bob was going back there. bob offered to take him. no charge of course, going there anyway. the hiker accepted. the business/shuttler was peaved wanting the fee. not cool. i've helped lots of hikers for free cuz i was going to a certain destination
i disagree.
The Feds would give you 58.5 cents each way to cover the cost of your car. Gas is just a small part of the total cost.
Lone Wolf
06-28-2008, 23:12
The Feds would give you 58.5 cents each way to cover the cost of your car. Gas is just a small part of the total cost.
i ain't a businessman. i like to help out contrary to what the ******** who hang out in the politics forum say. i'm the cheapest shuttler in damascus
works both ways. a business/shuttle provider here in town pulled a beaut here recently. a hiker reserved a shuttle to dennis cove. bob peoples of kincora was here dropping off a hiker. the one that reserved a shuttle overheard that bob was going back there. bob offered to take him. no charge of course, going there anyway. the hiker accepted. the business/shuttler was peaved wanting the fee. not cool. i've helped lots of hikers for free cuz i was going to a certain destination
Did the hiker leave the shuttler hanging?
No one is making you take a shuttle at gun point. Make your own arrangements if you are cheep and don’t want to pay a guy or company a fair wage. Or hike it, after all that’s what you are on the trail to do.
It’s amazes me how many people are only looking for a low price on everything they buy. Other people have just as much of a right to make a living as you do.
Ron Haven
06-29-2008, 00:09
A few years ago shuttles cost $1 a mile. Now everybody is at least $2 per mile. I know fuel cost have gone up, even doubled. That shouldn't make the entire price double, just the fuel cost. I need a shuttle from Standing Indian campground to Springer on the 4th. It is a 70 mile drive. Everyone want $165 or $175 for a shuttle. If a person only got 20 mpg, and I would hope they got more, it would only cost $30 for gas. So they want $30 per hour to drive in the woods for a 4 hour round trip. I have thu'd and now I want to section it again but it just cost to much for a shuttle.I think $150 is a fair price but it takes about 6 hours to take that round trip safely.It is 20 miles in forest service 42 and 90 miles to forest service 42,being 110 miles.Most you can't average over 45 to 50 mph max.
We could turn this into a lesson in economics
OR a rant on gas prices
OR a rant on insurance companies
OR a rant on greed
OR a rant on [fill in your favorite rant here]
OR see what's up on Cuff's blog.
Pacific Tortuga
06-29-2008, 00:35
i'm cheap. i took a guy to pearisburg the other day. it's 106 miles. i got $100
You forgot, easy too :)
Sir-P-Alot
06-29-2008, 00:46
I think you also must remember it is a holiday
We could turn this into a lesson in economics
OR a rant on gas prices
OR a rant on insurance companies
OR a rant on greed
OR a rant on [fill in your favorite rant here]
OR see what's up on Cuff's blog.
Hey! Someones reading! ;)
NICKTHEGREEK
06-29-2008, 11:43
i'm cheap. i took a guy to pearisburg the other day. it's 106 miles. i got $100
Pretty darn reasonable, did he get to ride inside (first class) or was he tied to the roof rack (coach) for that price?
saimyoji
06-29-2008, 11:51
.....link?
When section hiking on a limited schedule, and having to travel hundreds of miles just to get to the trail, having a dependable shuttle ready to help you spot your vehicle is worth it, even if they do overcharge a bit. You are paying for the convenience. I would not put up with the wear and tear of mountain roads, the hours of driving, and the disruption to my personal schedule necessary to shuttle folks around for nothing.
The reason you are calling for a shuttle is for the convenience and lack of alternatives. If you can find a better alternative, by all means use it. Personally, I have usually tipped extra to the shuttle operator for good service.
Hmmm... Ive always posted a request for a shuttle here on WB first, before resorting to a commercial outfit. I did not see such a request from WT. Ive been able to negotiate a reasonable cost with others who understand just how hard it is to get to some trailheads. (thanks to those who have helped me, you know who you are!)
Hmmm... Ive always posted a request for a shuttle here on WB first, before resorting to a commercial outfit. I did not see such a request from WT. Ive been able to negotiate a reasonable cost with others who understand just how hard it is to get to some trailheads. (thanks to those who have helped me, you know who you are!)
Posting on-line has worked well for me also. Actually it was on Trail Forums, but I did meet a guy who wanted to do the same hike, but in the opposite direction. We met at the north end, where I was leaving my vehicle. He started hiking south, I drove his car to where I was starting and he was ending. We met along the trail, so I could reassure him that his vehicle was safely parked at his end point. Took some trust, especially on his part, but worked well. We may do it again if our schedules coincide.
Another time,here on WhiteBlaze, I was offered a free shuttle from a guy who's wife was driving him to the trail. They offered to stop and pick me up on the way. This particular time it didn't work out since I had to change my schedule at the last minute, but it almost did. :-)
Cookerhiker
06-29-2008, 13:08
In all my section hikes, I've used shuttlers and also hitched. In '03, I hitched over 60 miles on roads from Wind Gap (PA) to Hawk Mountain Rd. Took about 5 hours and 5 or 6 shuttles but I made it. If you allow enough time in your schedule, you can hitch a lot of places.
cannonball
06-29-2008, 13:21
I always pay more than what the shuttler asks. The best way to do this is carry fifties and pretend you don't have change.
I always pay more than what the shuttler asks. The best way to do this is carry fifties and pretend you don't have change.
You need a lift in ME, PM me.
Originally Posted by cannonball http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=656339#post656339)
I always pay more than what the shuttler asks. The best way to do this is carry fifties and pretend you don't have change.
You need a lift in ME, PM me.
LOL
Lone Wolf
06-29-2008, 13:42
Pretty darn reasonable, did he get to ride inside (first class) or was he tied to the roof rack (coach) for that price?
inside. air conditioning going
billyboy
06-29-2008, 18:24
:mad: You know the cost ($) before you catch the shuttle, so if you do not like the cost, stay home ;)
If you do not know the cost till the shuttle shows up, that's your fault:rolleyes:
These folks are offering a service to us, so chill!
LIhikers
06-29-2008, 22:45
If that $165 to $175 dollars gets you a week in the woods consider it a cheap vacation. There are places you can easily spend that for one night in a hotel.
Appalachian Tater
06-29-2008, 22:48
If that $165 to $175 dollars gets you a week in the woods consider it a cheap vacation. There are places you can easily spend that for one night in a hotel.You can easily spend $400 a night minimum in a decent (not luxury) hotel in a major city these days.
$400 a night woudn't be easy for me...
If that $165 to $175 dollars gets you a week in the woods consider it a cheap vacation. There are places you can easily spend that for one night in a hotel.
People don't understand simple economics, starting with the law of supply and demand. Sad, really.
LIhikers
06-29-2008, 22:54
You can easily spend $400 a night minimum in a decent (not luxury) hotel in a major city these days.
Yep, that's the point I was trying to make. You just did it better than me.
Yep, that's the point I was trying to make. You just did it better than me.
Or he has more money than brains. :rolleyes:
Jack Tarlin
06-30-2008, 00:06
Another possibility:
I knew of several folks this year who needed lengthy shuttles to either get off the Trail or to return to it.
They discovered that it was MUCH cheaper to rent a car in some places than it was to engage a shuttle service, and this was especially true if they split the cost amongst several friends.
So this is one possibility.
But really, if you don't have your own transportation; if you refuse to pay for transportation; or of you have a qualm with what people are asking if they're gonna transposrt you....... well, then, you're pretty much limited to two choices: Hitch or walk.
And if you elect to choose either of these options, then don't complain about NOT electing the other ones, it's your call. :rolleyes:
I would suggest utilizing site's like craigslist and other rideshare boards too. I found a lift once from Portland to Seattle in a day and split gas with a nice woman, and had good conversation. Saved me a lot of money.
While it's not likey you'll find a shuttle from Standing Indian or a more obscure place, it's very feasible for hikers to find rides from trail towns to places like DC, Harrisburg, Boston, NY, Asheville, Roanoke, etc-basically any big town or city on the east coast.
Another possibility:
I knew of several folks this year who needed lengthy shuttles to either get off the Trail or to return to it.
They discovered that it was MUCH cheaper to rent a car in some places than it was to engage a shuttle service, and this was especially true if they split the cost amongst several friends.
Actually, we did the rental car thing in NH a couple of years ago. The car rental allowed us to place our car at the end and cover the long miles back, and a short cab ride after returning the car was cheaper than the shuttle. We did this more as a scheduling issue, but saving a few bucks was nice. Come to think of it, this was in Hanover.
Lone Wolf
06-30-2008, 01:09
in the damascus area, contact me. i'm the cheapest most reliable shuttler
in the damascus area, contact me. i'm the cheapest most reliable shuttler
Talking to me? You always tell me, "yankee stay home". ;)
Downunda
06-30-2008, 01:22
Shuttle services that do it on a business basis are entitled to cover their costs and to make a reasonable profit as well. No matter what some may think it is not a charity.
Another time,here on WhiteBlaze, I was offered a free shuttle from a guy who's wife was driving him to the trail. They offered to stop and pick me up on the way. This particular time it didn't work out since I had to change my schedule at the last minute, but it almost did. :-)
That was me. Howdy Lyle!
Alligator
07-02-2008, 12:04
Knocked 38 miles off a shuttle this weekend by using bikes. Then we grabbed a short shuttle up to the trailhead. I would have biked the last 8 miles or so but my hiking buddy said it was a crazy idea to bike up the last hill from Waynesboro to the BRP. He was right and the shuttle was an excellent deal:o.
I do what I can to avoid the fees (two cars, hitch, mass trans), but having a dependable shuttle is great for sectioners, especially solo hikers.
_terrapin_
07-02-2008, 15:05
I can tell lots of stories about bike-hikes. :D Doesn't work in all circumstances, and obviously less "convenient" than a shuttle in some regards. But it almost invariably adds something to the overall adventure. And if you're fit enough to hike, you're probably fit enough to ride. Suffice to say I've probably covered a few hundred miles of AT in this manner.
Wise Old Owl
07-02-2008, 15:22
In all my section hikes, I've used shuttlers and also hitched. In '03, I hitched over 60 miles on roads from Wind Gap (PA) to Hawk Mountain Rd. Took about 5 hours and 5 or 6 shuttles but I made it. If you allow enough time in your schedule, you can hitch a lot of places.
I find it very hard to hitch here in Pa, & I found it interesting that you succeed. I generally won't do it, I hide a bike at one end with a map, and drive to the other end. It appears to use different muscles to ride back. Even when my dad who is 70 years old was forced to cut a kayak trip short averaged 30 plus cars or 45 minutes before getting a ride back to the pick up car.
Painted Turtle
07-02-2008, 15:38
I have been on the "AT" shuttle list over 4 years and have shuttled way over 200 people. I first like to try and barter a ride for a ride, now if that does not work I get gas money. My way of helping (like a trail angel). And my way of deferring costs. So far it has worked well.
There have been a lot of good suggestions on how to cut shuttle costs. Get involved as I do and who knows how much you can cut. Give back to the trail!
My gas is based on round trip/total mile covered from my front door as would any shuttle driver.
Now if a person is in this as a business he/she deserves a fair price. Hopefully they are filing all the paper work and they have up grade their auto insurance. Some states also require a special Lic. I pay a lot extra for my Lic because of all its special endorsements.
The tax forms alone when it is IRS time can be nasty. Who knows when someone will report them to the IRS. It is not cheap or easy to run a shuttle BUSINESS. People go into business to make money not to give it away.
If you don't like shuttle prices, call Fiesta Taxi in Gainesville, GA. It's $6.00 per mile and you better speak Spanglish. Oh you better know how to get to the trail also!!!
That was me. Howdy Lyle!
Hey there, How was your hike? Mine turned out great, met some good folks who I'll probably hike with again. Planning to pick up at Fontana and continue north to Erwin this coming Oct.
Thanks again for the offer. :)