Cab drivers in BC earn their income mainly from the fares passengers pay and from tips. Fares come from regulated meter rates, and what a driver actually keeps depends on the arrangement with the company, which varies between operations.
Fares and tips
Taxi operators in BC may only charge rates approved by the Passenger Transportation Board. In Metro Vancouver the companies share common rates, so the meter works the same way whichever company picks you up. Drivers need to know those rates well so they can price a ride correctly.
Tips are separate from the fare. One taxi guide says tips of about 15 to 20 percent are expected in Canada, and passengers often add a little more for help with luggage or a long wait at the curb. Friendly, reliable service is what tends to earn them.
What drivers keep
Many drivers do not keep the whole fare. Some lease or rent the vehicle or the licence, and some split fares with the company. Cab drivers in BC have complained about the cost of leasing licences, so take-home pay often depends on lease costs, fuel and maintenance as much as on how many rides a driver picks up. Anyone thinking about the work should ask a company directly how it pays its drivers.
Working hours that earn more
Drivers tend to do better in the busiest parts of the day, such as commute times and weekend evenings. Events, festivals, bad weather and transit disruptions send more people to taxis, so rain or snow can bring extra fares. Many drivers watch traffic patterns and local event calendars to decide when to be out. Others split their shifts to cover early mornings and late evenings.
Where to wait and how to build business
Busy locations such as downtown and the airport attract more riders. Drivers also build a base of regular clients who call them again, and good reviews and a reputation for being on time help bring in repeat business.
Extra income
Some drivers add to fare income with airport pickups, contract work or arrangements with local hotels and businesses that send steady referrals. Planning routes to cut dead time, keeping fuel costs down and keeping the vehicle in good repair all protect earnings. Passengers who want to see what a typical ride costs can try the taxi fare estimator.