A standard rideshare from Tsawwassen Mills to Ladner costs about $19 at normal demand, with a likely range of $17 to $22. Ladner is 8 km away and the drive lasts roughly 15 minutes. On a short run like this, the fixed charges make up a large share of what you pay.
How the $19 is worked out
Our estimate rests on average rideshare rates, which are a $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 about $9.20 for the distance, plus about $5.25 for the time. Those add up to roughly $17, and the booking fee brings the total to $19.
Treat the numbers as estimates built on average rates, since Uber sets its own prices. The Uber app shows the real upfront price once you enter both addresses, and that is the amount you pay. Use our figure to judge whether the quote on your screen looks normal.
When demand pushes the price up
Busy periods multiply the trip portion of the fare. At busy demand (1.2 times) the ride is about $22. At very busy demand (1.5 times) expect about $27, and at a peak multiplier of 2 times it reaches about $36. If your plans are flexible, look at the price, close the app, and check again in ten minutes or so. The multiplier often drops once more drivers come online.
Bigger vehicles cost more. Comfort runs to about $23, XL (up to 6 seats) to about $27 and Premier to about $40. XL is the one to pick if you are travelling with a group or have a lot of shopping bags.
Taxi fare and getting picked up
Both Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi have a published tariff, starting with a $3.75 flag fee and adding $2.18 for every km. Over 8 km the meter would come to about $21. Waiting time and extras are left out of that number, so the final fare can be higher. If you prefer to phone, Vancouver Taxi is at 604-871-1111 and Yellow Cab Vancouver is at 604-681-1111.
A shopping centre can have several entrances, so check the pickup spot the app suggests and type in the exact address you want. Bring your bags to that spot before you confirm the ride so the driver is not left waiting. If you will be standing at a different door, send the driver a quick message through the app.
For a ride this short, the regional minimum fare of $4.43 does not come into play, so the fare you see will follow the rates above.