The distance from Royal Oak to Metrotown is 2 km, and the drive takes about 5 minutes. A standard rideshare for that trip comes to about $9 at normal demand, and the likely range is $7 to $10.
Adding up the $9
We worked the number out from average rideshare rates, so it is not an Uber price. Our inputs are a $2.50 base, $1.15 for each km, $0.35 for each minute and a booking fee of $2.00. Two kilometres adds $2.30 and five minutes adds $1.75. Together with the base fare that makes $6.55, and the booking fee brings it to about $8.55, which we round up to $9.
Busy periods raise the figure. At a 1.2 times multiplier the estimate is about $10. At very busy times (1.5 times) it is about $12, and at peak (2 times) it can reach $15. Your Uber app shows the actual upfront price, so check it before you accept a ride.
If you want a bigger or higher grade car, Comfort is about $10 and XL (up to 6 seats) is about $11. Premier is about $17. For two people with light bags, the standard car is the sensible pick, since the extra cost of the larger options buys very little on a trip this short.
Meter against app price for 2 km
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi both publish the same tariff, a $3.75 flag fee and $2.18 per km. For 2 km the meter estimate is about $8, which is a little below the standard rideshare estimate. It does not include waiting time or extras, and either one can push the final fare higher.
On short rides the flag fee takes up most of the meter total, so the gap between a taxi and a rideshare stays small until demand pricing applies. At very busy rates the rideshare estimate of $12 is clearly above the meter figure.
Getting the ride sorted
On a ride this brief, most mix ups happen at the curb before the car moves. Confirm the pin in the app, and send the driver the exact address if there is any chance of confusion about where you are standing.
If you are carrying shopping or luggage, ask the driver whether it fits before you load it. Anyone who needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle should book ahead, and Yellow Cab Vancouver, at 604-681-1111, lists accessible cars. Because the trip takes only a few minutes, an extra minute or two spent finding the right pickup spot makes a visible difference to the total time.