Rideshare and taxi come out almost level on this trip. A standard rideshare from SFU Burnaby to Lougheed Town Centre is about $17 at normal demand, and the taxi meter on a published tariff also comes to about $17. The distance is 6 km and the drive takes about 15 minutes. Our likely range for the rideshare fare is $14 to $20.
How the rideshare fare adds up
These numbers are estimates from average rates. Uber has not issued them, and the real upfront price comes from the app when you request the ride.
We start with a base fare of $2.50, add $1.15 for each km and $0.35 for each minute. For 6 km and 15 minutes that is about $14.65. A $2 booking fee goes on top, which gives roughly $17. The fare can never fall below the regional minimum of $4.43, but a trip this long is well above it.
Demand changes the picture. When the app is busy, the trip portion is multiplied. At 1.2 times the fare is about $20, at 1.5 times it is about $24, and at the peak multiplier of 2 times it reaches about $31. A campus can have a rush of riders when classes let out, so if your time is flexible, check the app again a little later.
If you want more room or a nicer car, Comfort is about $20, XL (up to 6 seats) is about $23 and Premier is about $35 at normal demand.
Taxi cost and getting picked up
What the meter would show
Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi open with $3.75 and then bill $2.18 per km. Over 6 km the meter estimate is about $17 for each company. Waiting time and extras are not included, so a driver held up at the curb can push the final number higher.
Pickup details at a large campus
Open the app and look at where it places the pickup point, since a large campus can have several places a car could stop. Type the exact address or building name rather than a general area, and stay near your phone so the driver can reach you. If you are carrying a lot of bags or a big project, ask whether they fit, or pick XL. Riders who need a wheelchair accessible vehicle should book ahead by phone, for example with Vancouver Taxi on 604-871-1111.
Allow extra time if you have to be somewhere at a set hour. A 15 minute drive is an average, and prices and waits both rise when many people book at once.