Before you order, open the app and look at the pickup pin for Pacific Centre. A mall can have more than one place where a car could meet you, and the pin decides where the driver goes.
Price and trip length
The ride to Commercial Drive is 5 km and takes about 12 minutes. Expect a standard rideshare to cost about $14 when demand is normal, and anywhere from $13 to $17 is likely.
Where the number comes from
We used average rideshare rates: $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2 booking fee. Five kilometres adds about $5.75 and twelve minutes adds $4.20.
Treat this as a rough figure worked out from average rates, since Uber calculates its own price. The app shows the real upfront price.
Busy demand (1.2) gives about $17. Very busy (1.5) gives about $21. At peak (2.0) you would see about $27.
Comfort is about $18, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $20 and Premier is about $30.
If you prefer a taxi
The tariff at Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi starts with a $3.75 flag fee, then adds $2.18 for each km. The meter would come to about $15 for 5 km. Waiting time and extras are extra.
To call a cab, try MacLure’s Cabs on 604-831-1111 or Yellow Cab Vancouver on 604-681-1111. Ask for the price range when you book, since a meter can run a little above the estimate.
Small things that save time
The regional minimum fare is $4.43, which only applies to very short trips, so it does not affect a ride of this length. The price depends mostly on distance, time and how busy the app is at that moment.
Type the exact street address for your drop off rather than only the name of the street. Share it with the driver if you are being picked up by a friend’s account or a taxi dispatcher.
Shopping bags take space. If you have bought something large, ask the driver whether it fits, or book the XL.
Prices rise when many people want cars together, such as after work or when the weather turns. If the app shows a surge, waiting a few minutes can bring it down. If you are on a deadline, a taxi booked by phone is a sensible back up.
It also helps to keep your phone charged and your ringer on, because a driver who cannot reach you may cancel and the next car could cost more.
Riders who need extra room or a ramp should book an accessible vehicle in advance. Vancouver Taxi is listed as wheelchair accessible on 604-871-1111.