I don't want to sound as if I am defending these people, but OP does have to spend time with them, so she needs to look on the bright side!
I suspect the 'leader' of just organising things as she saw 'sensible' without thinking too much about feelings: "we all live near each other, easy for us to get in the car, and OP take the bus".
I suspect the others are either used to being bossed by her, and took it for granted; or possibly they thought that raising it as an issue would draw attention, especially as the chauffeur wasn't the husband of either. Depending on the geography, it may seem unnecessarily clunky to suggest bus / taxi for all.
My own advice to OP is to let it go so you can enjoy the trip. If it happens again, ditch them as unhelpful friends !
Do you get a mot at the doctors?
What a difference a day makes 😢😢

would be awful if she said no though. Then I might seriously wonder if I wanted to spend any time with her at all .
