What I do is figure out a price I think is fair and stand out by the road. When a red plate pulls over, which takes seconds usually, I say I'll give you xxx if you take me/us to wherever. Usually if it's from the beach to the cliffs somewhere or vice versa I'll offer $5 per person for a one way ride. If they don't like your offer, wait another 30 seconds for another red plate. Never been turned down. It's usually 2 of us so $10 plus a couple buck tip if they're cool always seems to work. Not sure if you were alone if they'd do it for $5 or not. Maybe you can get rides cheaper than that, but I'm not sure. That seems like a fair price for both parties to me. I've certainly paid more than that before adopting this method