Driven Driving Driver

1. About ERP rates and coupons, I think they are part and parcel of the cost of driving. It's not a daily thing so as long as it makes everyone happy, why bother about that additional $2-3 dollars.
What's the point of paying 50k for a car and then grumbling about 50 cents? You know, it's a forte of Singaporeans. You don't see such behaviour any where else.

2.I always believe that you tend to gain some, you tend to lose some. You can save on a parking coupon and get fined for illegal parking. Or you can just see it as additional cost and enjoy the ride. It's how one sees it isn't it. I'll give you two scenarios. Take going to a High Tea party at a hotel in a central district. Parking is exorbitant. You have options to park at the basement or at a public carpark 15 mins away where parking is relatively cheaper at the normal rate. Which would you choose? You dress to the nines, worry about being late as you wait for half an hour for a lot because parking lots are scarce, and then rushing in the sweltering heat to your destination where you start sweating; make up messed up. Why not just park where you're at and enjoy your meal? Especially since it's a special occasion anyway and not a frequent affair. The second scenario will be quite similar. Movie at J8. Multi storey carpark or parking at HDB/ private property carpark. I will take the latter options since walking a little further will basically mean free parking. Of course you can point it out that should the second option be a date, then I will behave differently. That's of course since a date is a special occasion and that will being us back to scenario one. :P
It's about drawing the line, finding the balance isn't it. Opportunity cost. to put it simply, judge the occasion and decide for yourself. It varies from person to person. The keys are in your hands.

3. The same applies to petrol. The price of oil continues to defy gravity and that only makes driving more expensive. So do spare a thought for those who are driving. I especially despise those who don't and keep insisting that you send them back to their home, right to their very doorstep. It's seems like it's very applicable to those who are
a. insensitive,
b. people who never drive
c. especially those who think with their mouth more often than their brains.
Seriously DO spare a thought for the drivers. If there are still bus and mrt services, at least let him know that you wouldn't mind taking the public transport. If he insist on sending you back then let him have his way. Having someone send you back is a privilege not a necessity. Driving you back once doesn't mean that he has to be your slave, listening to your every beck and call.
It isn't really so much about the cost of driving, but more about the fatigue level of the driver. If you are tired after a long day of work, so would the driver isn't it. He's not superman you know.

4. Try and sit next to the driver. I'm fine if you don't abide by it, though I would prefer if you do since that will encourage conversation and keep me awake when I'm behind the wheels. There are people who don't like it, and it's only polite if you sit in the front passenger seat. Unless of course you're being chauffeured.