We did not find a published ranking that shows Lyft safer than Uber or the other way round, and we will not invent one. What is solid is that both are licensed by the Passenger Transportation Board in British Columbia and that drivers must pass criminal record and driving record checks. Your own habits, like checking the car before you get in, make a bigger difference than which logo is on the app.
What both services have in common in BC
Ride-hail companies in the province need a licence from the Passenger Transportation Board, and their drivers go through criminal and driving record checks under provincial rules. Taxi drivers are checked too, so the checks do not set one kind of ride apart.
Uber lists tools in its app such as sharing your trip with a friend, an emergency button that helps you reach 911 and RideCheck, which asks if you are fine after an unexpected long stop. Look in the Lyft app for its own list, and compare it with what you use most.
Check the ride yourself
- Before you get in, match the licence plate, car and driver photo to what the app shows.
- Ask the driver who they are picking up rather than saying your name first.
- Share your trip with someone you know. It takes two taps in most apps.
- Sit where you feel comfortable, and wear the seat belt.
- If something feels wrong, end the ride in a public place and report it in the app.
If you prefer a taxi
A taxi is a regular option too. Look for the company name on the car and call a company you know. Our list of 55 taxi companies shows phone numbers and what we know about each, and the Victoria and Metro Vancouver pages cover the two busiest areas.
Where each app works
Safety is only one reason people choose. The other is whether a car comes at all. Ride-hail licences cover whole zones, but drivers can be few or absent in smaller towns on Vancouver Island, so open the app and see cars near you before you count on it. For prices, the Uber estimate calculator shows the likely range, and our Lyft and Uber comparison sets the two side by side. You may also like our note on which is safer, Uber or Lyft.
This page is general information, not safety advice for a specific trip. If you are in danger, call 911.