Before you order, open the app and check that the pickup pin is where you plan to stand. A standard rideshare from Metrotown to Lougheed is about $25 at normal demand, and the likely range is $22 to $30. The trip is 12 km and takes around 20 minutes.
Cost breakdown for Metrotown to Lougheed
It is built on average rideshare rates. Four parts make up the fare: a $2.50 base, $1.15 for each km, $0.35 for each minute and a $2 booking fee. Twelve kilometres adds $13.80 and twenty minutes adds $7. Together with the base fare that is $23.30, and the booking fee takes it to about $25.
We are not quoting Uber here. These numbers come from average rates, and the upfront price in the Uber app is the real one.
Busy demand at 1.2 times normal raises the price to about $30. At 1.5 times it is around $37, and at a 2 times peak it is about $49. Comfort is about $31, XL with up to 6 seats is about $36, and Premier is about $54.
The gap between normal and peak is $24 on this trip, which is why checking the app before you leave is worth the few seconds. If the number is high and you are not in a hurry, waiting a little can bring it down. If you must travel now, a larger car at normal demand may still beat a standard car at peak, so compare the options on the screen.
Taxi and the practical side
Meter estimate
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi bill $3.75 on pickup and $2.18 for every km after that. Across 12 km the meter comes to about $30. Waiting time and extras are not included, so the final fare may be slightly higher.
That puts the taxi about $5 above the normal rideshare price. It matches the busy price and is cheaper than very busy or peak pricing.
Making the pickup easy
Both ends of this trip are shopping centres, which often have more than one entrance. Put the exact one in the notes, or send the driver a message once they are close. If you are carrying purchases, ask whether they will fit before loading, and choose XL if there are several large bags or more than four of you.
For a wheelchair accessible vehicle, call a company and book ahead instead of relying on the app. Allow some extra time at busy hours, since 20 minutes is the average and not a guarantee.