Ten minutes is about all you need for the ride from Edmonds to New Westminster. The distance is 4 km, and a standard rideshare costs about $13 at normal demand. The likely range is $11 to $15.
Breaking down the $13
We work from average rideshare rates: a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2.00 booking fee. Four km and ten minutes come to $10.60, and the booking fee takes it to about $13. These are estimates, not Uber’s own numbers.
The Uber app gives the actual upfront price. Check it before you confirm.
Short trips have a floor. The regional minimum fare is $4.43, but this ride is well above it, so the minimum does not affect your price.
If the app shows a higher number
Demand can lift the fare. At a busy time (1.2 times) it is about $15. Very busy (1.5 times) brings it to about $18, and a peak (double) is about $23.
Because the trip is so short, the booking fee is a large share of the total. A bigger vehicle adds a few dollars: Comfort is about $15, XL (up to 6 seats) about $17 and Premier about $26.
What the meter reads for 4 km
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi each list a $3.75 flag fee with $2.18 charged per km. Over 4 km the meter would show about $12. Waits and extras come on top of that.
For a ride this short, the taxi can be close to or slightly under the rideshare price at normal demand. If the app is surging, a taxi is likely the cheaper option.
Coastal Rides (604-330-7433) lists a rideshare app, and Vancouver Taxi (604-871-1111) lists wheelchair accessible vehicles. Phone either one if you want a quote.
Small things that save a wasted wait
Type in the exact pickup address and drop-off with street numbers, since a neighbourhood name leaves room for error. On a quick hop, a driver who goes to the wrong corner eats up a big share of the trip, and you may pay for the extra minutes if the route changes.
If you carry shopping or a stroller, say so when you book. Anyone who needs a ramp or a lift should book an accessible vehicle ahead of time instead of hoping one is nearby. Drivers online at the moment you request can vary, so give yourself a few spare minutes if you have an appointment.