Before you request a car to Commercial-Broadway Station, open the Uber app and compare its upfront price with the $14 we estimate for a standard ride. The trip is 5 km and takes about 12 minutes, and the likely range at normal demand is $13 to $17.
Where our estimate comes from
We used average rideshare rates, so the figure is an estimate and not what Uber will charge. The inputs are $2.50 as a base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute, plus a flat $2 booking fee. Five km adds $5.75 and 12 minutes adds $4.20. The base fare, distance and time come to about $12, and the booking fee makes it about $14.
When demand rises, so does the price. A busy period puts the estimate near $17, a very busy one near $21, and peak demand near $27. That is nearly double the quiet-hour figure for a ride of only 5 km.
Comfort costs about $18 for this trip. XL, with up to 6 seats, is about $20, and Premier is about $30.
None of these numbers include a tip, and the app may show a slightly different total depending on how many drivers are nearby. If the upfront price is far above $17 at an ordinary hour, wait a few minutes and check again before you accept it.
Taxi alternative
Either Whalley Taxi or Royal City Taxi will charge $3.75 at pickup and $2.18 for each km, since their tariffs match. On 5 km the meter would show about $15. Waiting time and extras are not included, so expect the fare to land a little higher. If you prefer a phone booking, Vancouver Taxi is at 604-871-1111 and Yellow Cab Vancouver is at 604-681-1111.
Tips for a station drop-off
- Type the station name and the exact address into the app, then confirm the pickup pin before you request.
- If you are catching a train or bus, add a buffer, because a car requested at a busy moment can be slow to arrive.
- Tell the driver if you have luggage or a bike, so they can say whether it fits.
- Ask for a wheelchair accessible taxi by phone ahead of time.
On a short ride the booking fee is a large share of the total, which is why the price does not fall much below $13 even in the best case. For a hop of 5 km, a taxi at about $15 can come out slightly more expensive or slightly cheaper than the app, so it is worth a quick look at both before you decide.