The distance from Walnut Grove to Surrey Central is 18 km, and the drive takes about 30 minutes. For that trip a standard rideshare costs about $36 at normal demand, and the likely range is $32 to $42.
How the estimate is calculated
Our number is based on average rideshare rates and is not an Uber price. The rates are a base fare of $2.50, $1.15 per km, $0.35 per minute and a $2.00 booking fee. Eighteen kilometres and thirty minutes add up to about $34 for the ride, and the booking fee takes it to roughly $36.
When the area is busy, the multiplier changes the picture. At 1.2 times normal demand the price is about $42. At 1.5 times it is about $53, and at 2 times it climbs to about $69. The Uber app shows the exact upfront price before you book, so check it there. A difference of a few dollars from our figure is normal, because live demand and the driver’s exact route are not something we can see.
In a larger car you would pay about $44 for Comfort, $51 for XL (up to 6 seats) or $78 for Premier.
Taxi pricing and who to call
We found a published tariff for Whalley Taxi and Royal City Taxi. Both charge a flag fee of $3.75 and $2.18 per km, which gives a meter estimate of about $43 for this trip. Waiting and extras would be added on top.
That puts the taxi a bit above the standard rideshare estimate and close to the Comfort price. If you prefer to speak to someone, Vancouver Taxi is on 604-871-1111 and Yellow Cab Vancouver is on 604-681-1111. Both accept cards, and both list wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Getting the ride you want
On a 30 minute trip the small details matter more than you might expect. Check where the pin lands in the app, and drag it to the right entrance if it is off. Type in the full address rather than a general area, and add a unit number if one applies.
If you have luggage, shopping or a stroller, ask yourself whether it will fit in a standard car before you book. XL costs more but avoids an awkward conversation at the kerb.
Allow a little extra time at busy hours, because 30 minutes is an average. Anyone who needs an accessible vehicle should phone ahead and not count on one appearing in the app.