A standard rideshare from Downtown Vancouver to Richmond Centre costs about $33 at normal demand, and the likely range is $30 to $39. The trip is 16 km and takes about 30 minutes.
Breaking down the price
We worked the number out from average rideshare rates: a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. Sixteen km comes to $18.40, and 30 minutes comes to $10.50. Add the base fare and you have $31.40, and the booking fee brings the total to roughly $33.
This is an estimate based on averages, not a quote from Uber. When you enter your pickup and destination, the app displays the actual upfront price, and that is the figure to rely on. The regional minimum fare of $4.43 is not a factor on a trip this long.
The 30 minute time is relatively large compared with the distance, and it is time that adds cost. Every extra minute is worth $0.35 before any demand multiplier, so a slower trip nudges the price up even if the km stay the same.
Busy periods, larger cars and taxis
When the app is busy (1.2 times), expect about $40. At very busy times (1.5 times) it is about $49, and at peak demand (2 times) it is about $65. Those jumps are the biggest reason prices on the same route differ from one day to the next.
Larger options cost more. Comfort is about $41, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $48, and Premier is about $73. If you are travelling as a group, XL can cost less per person than two separate cars.
A taxi works from a meter instead. Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi both publish a $3.75 flag fee and $2.18 per km, so 16 km would run to about $39 on the meter. Waiting time and extras are not included, which means the final fare can be higher.
A mall is the kind of place where you may have bags with you after shopping, so tell the driver or the dispatcher what you are carrying. Whichever way you travel, confirm the pickup spot in the app and give the driver the exact address. Allow extra time at peak hours, and ask about luggage space before you book if you are carrying more than a small bag. If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, arrange it with a taxi company in advance instead of waiting to see what is free.