overpriced shuttles

[The Old Fhart]

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]

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".

SD

[JAK]

If the route is that popular, maybe they should build a walking trail.

[Lone Wolf]

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".

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

[rickb]

****, 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]

****, 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]

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

[rickb]

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]

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

[rickb]

Nothing wrong with that.

[Wilson]

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?

[Bob S]

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]

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.

[Tin Man]

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]

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]

I think you also must remember it is a holiday

[Cuffs]

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]

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]

.....link?

[Lyle]

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.