If the driver doesn't ask, I'm usually very clear which way I want them to go (avoiding lights, etc), but if I'm tired after work I sometimes forget and thats when they take the route which has all the long, red lights. Once in a blue moon the driver will have half a brain and do all they can to charge me as little as possible....but thats rare, and NEVER at night.

After reading this story, I'll be a little more wary. It is frightening.