Rideshare and taxi are close on this one. From Richmond Centre to Steveston, a standard rideshare is about $18 at normal demand, with a likely range of $16 to $21, while a metered taxi comes to about $19. It is 7 km and about a quarter of an hour behind the wheel.
How the rideshare price is calculated
Our figure comes from average rideshare rates and is not Uber’s own price. Inputs were $2.50 to start, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute, plus the $2.00 booking fee. Seven km and 15 minutes give a ride charge of about $16, and the booking fee takes the total to roughly $18.
What the Uber app displays upfront is the real price, and you see it before confirming. If it is a few dollars off our number, the app is right.
Demand changes things. At busy times think of about $21. At very busy times it is about $26, and at peak, when the multiplier is 2, about $34.
Bigger vehicles cost more: Comfort is about $22, XL (up to 6 seats) about $25 and Premier about $38.
Metered taxi from Richmond Centre to Steveston
Published tariffs exist for this area. Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi each charge a $3.75 flag fee plus $2.18 per km, so the meter would show about $19 for 7 km. That does not cover waiting time or extras.
Because the two prices are so near, the real difference shows up when demand is high. A rideshare at peak can pass $30, while the taxi tariff does not change.
Practical tips for a short trip
- Open the app a few minutes before you want to leave and check where the pickup pin sits.
- Send the driver the exact entrance or address, since a shopping centre can have several places to be collected.
- Tell the driver about bags or a pram when you book so you know the boot has room.
- Phone ahead for a wheelchair accessible taxi instead of asking at the last minute.
The drive is only 15 minutes, but the wait for the car is a separate matter. If you are catching something at the other end, allow extra time on evenings and weekends, when more riders are on the road and drivers can take longer to reach you.
For a ride this short, the price rarely decides the choice. Compare the two options at the moment you travel and take whichever car can get to you first.