It is 18 km from Coquitlam Centre to Maple Ridge, and a standard rideshare for that distance costs about $36 at normal demand. The likely range is $32 to $42, and the drive takes about 30 minutes.
Behind the $36
We worked the figure out from average rideshare rates, which are a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. The distance adds about $20.70 and the time adds $10.50. Together with the base fare and the booking fee, that gives roughly $36.
It is an estimate from average rates and not Uber’s own price. Before you confirm the ride, the Uber app displays the real upfront price for your pickup.
Most of the cost is the distance, since the 18 km at $1.15 per km is the largest single piece. The 30 minutes is the second largest. A drive that runs longer than 30 minutes would nudge the fare upward, and a quicker one would trim it. The $36 assumes the average time, so a difference of a few dollars either way is normal.
If demand is high
At busy demand (1.2 times) the fare is about $42. At very busy demand (1.5 times) it is about $53, and at peak (2 times) it is about $69.
The difference between normal and peak is over $30 on this trip, so it pays to look at the app more than once if your timing is flexible.
Comfort is about $44, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $51 and Premier is about $78. XL makes sense for a group of four or more.
Taxi and planning notes
The tariff is the same at Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi: $3.75 to start the meter and $2.18 for each km. On 18 km the meter would come to about $43, which is above the normal rideshare price. Waiting time and extras would be added to that estimate.
If you want a quote before you commit, you can phone Vancouver Taxi at 604-871-1111 or MacLure’s Cabs at 604-831-1111.
Type the exact pickup address and confirm the spot the app shows. A shopping centre may have several entrances, and a driver who waits at the wrong one loses time.
For a 30 minute ride, ask about luggage space if you are carrying more than a few bags. A wheelchair accessible vehicle should be booked ahead by phone.
Leave a cushion if you have somewhere to be on arrival, because the 30 minutes is an average and not a guarantee.