Open the Uber app and enter both addresses before you decide anything else, because it shows the real upfront price. For a guide, a standard rideshare from UBC to Brentwood is about $36 at normal demand, with a likely range of $32 to $42. The trip is 18 km and takes about 30 minutes.
How we estimate the fare
Our number comes from average rideshare rates, not from Uber itself. Those rates are a $2.50 base fare, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2.00 booking fee. The base fare, distance charge and time charge are added together and multiplied by a demand factor. The booking fee is added after that.
The demand factor is where prices move most. When it is busy (1.2 times normal), expect about $42. At very busy levels (1.5 times) the price is about $53, and a peak at double the normal rate is about $69. Prices that high are uncommon in an average day, but the app will warn you if it applies.
Other vehicles and the taxi option
If you want more space, Comfort is about $44 and XL (up to 6 seats) is about $51. Premier is about $78.
On the published tariff of both Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi, the flag fee is $3.75 and each km costs $2.18. On that tariff, the 18 km trip would show about $43 on the meter. The meter reading leaves out waiting and extras, so expect the bill to end a little above it. The meter runs a few dollars above the normal rideshare figure, and it does not change with app demand.
Planning a ride from a university
Campus pickups go better when the driver knows the exact spot. Give the building name or street address, check the pickup point in the app and be ready when the car arrives. If you are travelling with luggage, ask the driver whether it fits before loading.
At busy hours allow extra time, since cars may be slower to reach you and prices may be higher. Riders who need wheelchair access should call ahead to a company that lists an accessible car. Brentwood is a shopping centre area, so if you plan to travel back by car later, open the app a few minutes early to see how many drivers are nearby. Share your exact address with the driver in the app chat if the pickup point is hard to describe, and keep your phone on until the car arrives.