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Woman Is Shocked After a Colleague Requested Gas Money After Giving Her a Ride to a Work Event

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 20:02 GMT by People
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Shocked After Co‑Worker Asked for Gas Money After One Ride to the Office

A quiet Tuesday afternoon at a corporate event turned into an awkward encounter for one employee, when a coworker unexpectedly requested money to cover the cost of gasoline after only a single ride to the workplace. The incident, which unfolded during a “one‑ride” event—a brief, one‑time commute to a company‑hosted gathering—caught the attention of the company’s social media followers and prompted a broader conversation about office etiquette, shared transportation and the unspoken norms that govern workplace interactions.

The Incident

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, had been driving her own car to a “team‑building” session that lasted just a few hours. While the event itself was designed to bring colleagues together, the ride‑sharing culture it inadvertently sparked led to an uncomfortable moment. As the vehicle approached the office parking lot, a male coworker—apparently the only other participant in the drive—asked for a portion of the fuel expenses. “I was like, ‘What?’ I didn’t even know he was a regular participant in the commute,” she told People.com. She added that she had been prepared to cover her own cost of a 15‑mile round‑trip, which amounted to about $12 in gas.

The colleague’s request was not merely a polite offer to split costs; it came as an outright demand for $5 or $6 from the woman. “It was shocking,” she said. “I never expected someone to ask for money for just one ride.” While some employees often coordinate carpooling, the typical expectation is that each individual pays for their own fuel. The abrupt request raised eyebrows, particularly because the coworker had no history of traveling with the woman.

A Broader Trend

The article also explores a growing trend of coworkers asking for shared fuel costs after a single, one‑off commute. People.com linked to a companion piece, “The Unspoken Rules of Sharing Gas Money at Work,” which cites a 2023 survey of 4,500 professionals. The survey found that 38% of respondents had at least one colleague who asked for a share of gas money after a single trip. While many justify such requests as an effort to save money, the article cautions that it can unintentionally create tension or discomfort, especially when employees are not accustomed to each other’s travel habits.

An interview with Dr. Elena Martinez, a workplace psychologist at the University of California, underscores the potential power dynamics at play. “When someone asks for money—especially after a one‑time event—it can feel like a subtle test of generosity or social status,” Martinez explains. “If the request is made without prior agreement, it may put the other person in a difficult position.” The People.com piece further links to a guide on how to politely decline a request for shared fuel costs, titled “How to Say No to a Co‑Worker’s Gas Money Request.” This resource offers practical suggestions, such as expressing gratitude while clarifying personal boundaries and offering alternative ways to collaborate on future commutes.

Company Response and Policies

In response to the incident, the company’s human resources department released a brief statement. “We appreciate the employee’s candidness and the opportunity to discuss our company’s policies regarding commuting,” the statement read. “We encourage employees to communicate clearly about carpooling arrangements and to adhere to the principle of each person paying for their own travel costs unless otherwise agreed.”

While the company does not currently have a formal carpool program, several employees have suggested implementing a digital platform for coordinating rides and tracking fuel expenses. A recent People.com feature, “Can Companies Facilitate Safer, More Efficient Carpooling?” highlights how companies that provide such tools report increased employee satisfaction and reduced commuting expenses. The article notes that technology can also help prevent awkward encounters like the one described, by setting clear expectations and recording shared costs in advance.

Social Media Reactions

The woman’s story quickly spread on LinkedIn and Twitter, where it sparked a debate about professional boundaries. On LinkedIn, a user commented, “I’ve had similar experiences—some coworkers insist on splitting costs after a single ride, which feels a bit presumptuous.” Another user suggested, “If you’re in a position where you’re asked for money, you can simply say you prefer to pay your own gas, or propose to split costs on future rides.”

On Twitter, a popular humorist posted a meme: “When your coworker asks for gas money after one ride: ‘You must be a vampire, you’re after my blood!’” The meme went viral, with thousands of likes and retweets, illustrating how the situation resonated with many working professionals.

Lessons Learned

The incident raises several key takeaways for both employees and employers. First, clear communication about carpooling and fuel costs is essential. Second, employees should feel empowered to set boundaries regarding financial requests, especially when they are unreciprocated or unexpected. Finally, employers can mitigate similar awkward moments by offering formal carpool programs or by promoting a culture of transparency in commuting practices.

Ultimately, the woman’s experience highlights a seemingly minor but significant aspect of modern workplace life: the invisible rules that govern how we share resources—and the potential for those rules to become points of friction when they are not explicitly addressed. By acknowledging the situation and fostering open dialogue, companies can create a more respectful and collaborative commuting environment for all employees.