I am on a course tomorrow. It is the third of its kind - the same people and venue each time. There has been one each term this academic year. I am a teacher so the other partipants are other teachers from other schools in the region.
On the first one, I was asked by the leader if I would give a lift to two women back to the city. The journey by bus takes two hours, and the bus wasn't due for nearly an hour, though by car it is 40 minutes. The second time, I recognised the same two women so immediately told them I would be happy to take them back again. They were very grateful.
However, since then I have moved and, though I could still go home via 'their' way, there is a slightly quicker route also available. Moreover, ds has an after school event that means I need to get home as quickly as possible. It will really be a push and both these women have stood around talking to others after the end time and, even if I asked them not to do that, the time spent removing car seats and then having to put them back in when I got home would all add up. Tbh, it wouldn't really matter if ds was 10 mins or so late, but I just don't want the extra faffing in what is already going to be a very busy day (course adds 20 mins onto my 30 minute comute anyway.)
I hate the thought of seeing these women, knowing that they will be hoping for a lift, and not obliging. I would hate to be them, having a 3 hour journey home. I feel like if I start giving my reasons it will sound like I'm fobbing them off and making it up, but to say nothing would be rude. AIBU? And if not, what shall I say to them?