Metrotown to Richmond Centre is 16 km, a drive of about 25 minutes. At normal demand a standard rideshare for that distance costs about $32, and the likely range is $28 to $37. Both ends are shopping centres, so you will probably be looking for a mall entrance rather than a street address.
How the $32 is worked out
Our working uses average rideshare rates of $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. For this trip that is $2.50 plus $18.40 for distance plus $8.75 for time, which comes to about $29.65 before the booking fee. Add the fee and you land near $32.
Uber did not supply these figures, they are our own averages. The Uber app shows the real upfront price before you confirm, and that number is the one that counts.
Demand moves the total. When it is busy (1.2 times the usual fare) expect about $38. At very busy times (1.5 times) it is around $46, and at a peak (2 times) it can reach $61. A trip that costs $32 on a quiet afternoon can nearly double when everyone is trying to leave at once.
If you need more room, Comfort is about $39 and XL, which seats up to 6, is about $45. Premier is about $69.
Meter fare for the mall run
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi post a tariff of $3.75 at the start and $2.18 for each km driven. On 16 km the meter works out to about $39. Waiting time and extras are not included in that figure, so the final fare can be a little higher.
At normal demand the taxi costs more than the rideshare. Once the app moves into busy pricing at $38 or more, the two come close, and at very busy or peak pricing the meter is the cheaper option.
Practical tips for a mall to mall trip
- Look at the pickup point the app suggests, then walk to it before you order so the driver is not circling.
- Share the exact entrance or a nearby address in the notes.
- Bags from a shopping day take space, so pick XL if you are carrying a lot.
- Check the price again if you wait, because demand can change within minutes.
If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, book it ahead by phone instead of waiting for one to appear in the app. Allow extra time on a weekend or a busy evening, since a 25 minute drive can stretch when roads fill up.