On this short trip, rideshare and taxi cost almost the same. A standard rideshare from Metrotown to Brentwood is about $17 at normal demand, and the taxi meter estimate on the published tariff is also about $17. The distance is 6 km and the drive takes around 15 minutes.
The price and how we reached it
The inputs are average rates: $2.50 as the base fare, $1.15 for each km, $0.35 for each minute and a $2 booking fee. Six kilometres adds $6.90 and fifteen minutes adds $5.25, so the ride is $14.65 before the booking fee and about $17 after it. The likely range is $14 to $20.
Think of them as our averages, not figures from Uber. Before you book, the Uber app displays the true upfront price.
Busy demand at 1.2 times normal brings the fare to about $20. At 1.5 times it is around $24, and at 2 times it is about $31. Comfort is about $20, XL with up to 6 seats is about $23, and Premier is about $35.
The taxi side
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi start the meter at $3.75 and add $2.18 per km. For 6 km the meter lands at about $17. Waiting time and extras are not part of that number.
Because the two are level at normal demand, the choice depends on the moment. A taxi has the advantage when the app is in very busy or peak pricing, since the meter does not rise with demand.
Tips for a quick hop
The regional minimum fare is $4.43, so very short rides never fall below that, but 6 km is well past it. What matters more on a hop like this is the pickup. Open the app a minute before you want to leave, confirm the pin, and tell the driver the exact entrance if the centre has several.
If you have bags, ask the driver whether they fit before you load. If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, book one by phone ahead of time. At a busy hour, allow extra minutes, because a 15 minute ride is short enough that a delay at the start feels large.
Choosing a vehicle size
For one or two people with light bags, a standard car is plenty. Pick XL only if you have a bigger group, since the extra $6 or so is hard to justify otherwise. Premier is a step up in comfort, and at about $35 it costs twice the standard fare, so keep it for when you want it.