URide is a local Canadian rideshare company that operates in smaller communities and towns. Most smaller towns in Canada lack the convenience of a rideshare platform.
Canadian rideshare company, URide, is here to fill the gap between taxis and giants like Uber or Lyft.
- What is URide?
- How Does Being A URide Driver Work?
- How Much Do URide Drivers Make?
- What Are The Requirements To Sign Up For URide?
- How To Sign Up As A URide Driver
- How To Contact URide
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Looking for a different company? Check out our overview of the different Rideshare Companies In Canada.
What is URide?
URide was born to help reduce impaired driving in smaller communities. Small communities have a lack of transportation options so often times there can be wait times from 30 mins to an hour for a ride home from a night out.
In other words, URide was created due to a demand for a safe and convenient way to get home in smaller cities.
This opportunity combined with URides Driver app provides local drivers with a quick and easy way to earn some extra income.
Cody Ruberto, founder and CEO, launched URide in 2017 when they first began operating as URide Thunder Bay. Since then they have expanded to 4 more provinces and over 15 cities with others coming online soon.
Sign Up As A URide Driver In These Cities
- British Columbia
- Kamloops
- Kelowna
- Nanaimo
- Prince George
- Victoria
- Manitoba
- Winnipeg
- Nova Scotia
- Halifax
- Ontario
- Belleville
- Chatham-Kent
- Kenora
- North Bay
- Peterborough
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Sudbury
- Thunder Bay
- Timmins
- Saskatchewan
- Humboldt
- Moose Jaw
URide Services
URide added grocery and alcohol delivery services to their platform in April 2020. Companies like Instacart or Inabuggy would have really long wait times, sometimes up to a week. URide wanted to help reduce that wait time to get groceries delivered to customers quicker.
URide Services drivers will deliver almost anything; hot meals, groceries, alcohol, parcels, and other essential items from stores. Some hair dressers will even use the app to book hair cuts with clients.
If Services is available in your city it is a great way to earn some extra cash quick.
How Does Being A URide Driver Work?
If you are familiar with how driving for companies like Uber or Lyft works, then you will be familiar with how driving with URide works.
URide is a ride-hailing platform that connects riders with drivers in the area. A rider will request a ride from Point A to Point B within the URide app and the driver can accept the trip in the URide Driver app.
Once you have accepted the trip, you will begin to drive to the pick up location. Next, you’ll pick up the rider and drive them to their destination. Lastly, at the destination you drop them off and end the trip!
URide is a cashless experience for both drivers and riders. This means that riders will pay for their trip within the app and drivers will be paid directly by URide on their payday. There is the occasional time that a rider may tip you in cash at the end of your trip.
Just like Uber, URide has a rating system for riders and drivers to help promote a safe and comfortable environment. Riders will know they can trust their drivers and drivers will know their riders won’t ruin their car. Win, Win.
How Much Do URide Drivers Make?
URide claims that part time drivers can make between $150-$300 a day. This is totally possible and it all depends on how long you drive for.
Drivers in smaller cities might see more downtime in between trips which will lead to a longer day. Drivers in larger cities will benefit from the volume and might see more than a few trips per hour.
The good news is that URide operates 24/7 so you have a full week to put in driving time. Fridays and weekends tend to be peak times for riders in need of a trip. Try to make the bulk of your earnings on the weekend and use the week days to supplement your income from the weekend.
A look at the numbers
The average distance of a rideshare trip in North America is 9.5km. This number is a little high for the smaller cities that URide operates in so we are going to use a more modest 6.5km as the average trip distance.
Drivers usually take home about 70%-75% of the trip fare so we will use 70% in our estimates as a worst case scenario.
Let’s dive into the numbers!
Average trip distance: 6.5km
Fare of a ~6.5km trip in each city URide is currently active in:
- Winnipeg: $13.18
- Chatham-Kent: $18.90
- North Bay: $16.52
- Sault Ste. Marie: $19.74
- Sudbury: $15.34
- Thunder Bay: $20.14
- Timmins: $16.84
- Moose Jaw: $15.56
Average 6.5km fare: $17.02
Driver take home (70% of average fare): $11.91
How many trips to make $150/day: 13 Trips
How many trips to make $300/day: 26 Trips
So there you have it, a breakdown of how many trips you would have to make to take home $150-$300 per day of driving with URide. To add some more context,
$150/day for 5 days a week is the equivalent to a worker earning $39,000.
$300/day for 5 days a week is the equivalent to a worker earning $78,000.
Now keep in mind that since you are an independent contractor, you will need to put some of that aside for taxes.
How long will your day be?
To make this kind of money you have to be dedicated, lets take a look at how long your day might be if your daily earnings targets are $150-$300.
We assume that our average trip will take about 10 minutes to complete and about 5 minutes to drive to the pick up location. This gives us 15 minutes per trip for an average trip length. We also assume that we only want to work an 8 hour shift each day.
If we aim for $150/day then we need to complete 13 trips in 8 hours. This works out to completing 1.6 trips every hour. This scenario also allows us 36 minutes of downtime per hour.
Earnings are paid out weekly
When and how do I get paid?
You get paid weekly through direct deposit!
Aiming for $300/day has us completing 26 trips in 8 hours which works out to completing 3.25 trips every hour. Downtime in this scenario works out to about 11 minutes per hour.
In our opinion, the second scenario is only likely during peak times and not for a full 8 hour day. With that in mind here are our predictions for working time in each scenario.
$150/day: 8 hour working day
$300/day: 10 hour working day
What Are The Requirements To Sign Up For URide?
The exact requirements to sign up for URide are dependent on the city you are signing up in. Some municipalities have their own ride-hailing regulations and some provinces have their own regulations.
Driver Requirements
URide drivers are required to a have a full drivers license with at least 3 years driving experience. In some provinces you may be required to hold license class that allows you to transport passengers.
You will also be asked to show a proof of work eligibility. This can be in the form of a birth certificate, work permit, or passport.
Since you will be an independent contractor working with URide, you will need to have your own HST number to sign up.
A compatible smartphone is required to use the URide application. The app works with both iOS and Android phones.
As a driver you must also have your own personal insurance coverage. Some provinces have different insurance requirements, see below for more info on that.
Drivers must also have a clean driving record with no more than 6 demerit points. There should also be no major driving infractions on your record.
You will also be required to submit a background check while signing up for URide. You can usually obtain a copy at your local police station.
In summary, these are URide’s driver requirements:
- Full drivers license
- Proof of work eligibility – Birth certificate, work permit, passport
- HST number – as required by the Canada Revenue Agency
- Must have a smartphone compatible with the URide app
- Have own personal insurance coverage
- Clean driving record
- Cannot have a criminal background
Vehicle Requirements
Vehicle requirements for URide are pretty much the same as Uber or Lyft anywhere else in Canada.
Vehicles must be 10 years old or newer with 4 doors and 4 passenger seats with working seatbelts. Your car needs to have less than 250,000km on the odometer reading and must pass a safety inspection.
A safety inspection can be arranged through one of URides partners, Canadian Tire, or any other accredited auto shop.
You will also need to show a proof of personal insurance. Some provinces require you to have a special insurance plan designed for rideshare drivers.
URide drivers vehicles must also be clean and free from cosmetic issues. During sign up you are required to submit photos of your vehicle. URide wants to see the condition of your front and back interior as well as all 4 sides of the exterior.
In summary, the vehicle requirements for URide drivers are:
- 10 years old or newer
- 4 door vehicle with 4 passenger seats and seat belts
- Less than 250,000km on the odometer
- Pass a vehicle inspection
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle ownership
- Clean presentable interior
- Exterior free of damage or cosmetic issues
What Are The Requirements In Each Province?
Each province has some of their own local rideshare requirements. These usually come in the form of age limits and the type of license required to be a ride-hail driver.
British Columbia
URide will operate in Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Victoria. BC rideshare drivers are required to hold a Class 4 license which permits them to transport passengers as a vehicle for hire.
- Drivers must be at least 19 years old
- Class 4 license with 3 years driving experience
Studying for your Class 4 license? Check out our BC Class 4 drivers license practice tests, take all 5 of them to prepare for the real knowledge test.
BC Class 4 Practice Test 1
BC Class 4 Practice Test 2
BC Class 4 Practice Test 3
BC Class 4 Practice Test 4
BC Class 4 Practice Test 5
Manitoba
Drivers working for URide in Winnipeg and the rest of Manitoba are required to cover their own insurance with the Manitoba Public Insurance. URide also looks at Vulnerable Sector Checks and Child Abuse Registries when onboarding drivers.
- Drivers must be at least 18 years old
- Full Class 5 License with 3 years driving experience
- MPI Vehicle for Hire Coverage Insurance
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
- Child Abuse Registry
Average costs for the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check is around $44
Average costs for an Adult/Child Abuse Registry check is $40
Nova Scotia
The regulations for URide in Halifax require the driver to hold a Class 4 Nova Scotia Drivers License. Drivers must be 21 years or older and have at least 3 years driving experience.
- Drivers must be at least 21 years old
- Class 4 License with at least 3 years of driving experience
Ontario
Ontario is home base for URide, they are currently operating in Chatham-Kent, Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, Timmins, North Bay, and Thunder Bay. Drivers must be 25 years or older with at least 3 years of driving experience to work as a ride-hail driver in Ontario.
- Driver must be at least 25 years old
- Ontario G License with 3 years driving experience
URide Thunder Bay
In Thunder Bay drivers are able to pick up and drop off passengers right in front of the air terminal building. There is a designated spot for URide drivers to wait when picking up passengers. Riders can also provide their flight number so drivers can get updates on arrival times.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s specific requirements are slightly different in terms of experience and the amount of demerit points drivers can have on their record.
- Must have a full Class 5 drivers license
- At least 2 years post-GDL driving experience
- Drivers should have no more than 9 demerit points
Requirements for URide Services
The requirements to sign up as a URide Services driver or shopper are pretty basic, as with most delivery services.
Delivery Driver Requirements
- Must have a full Class 5 or Class G2 drivers license
- Drivers must have their own insurance
- Vehicle ownership must be in drivers name
- Drivers are required to pass a background check
In-Store Shopper Requirements
- Shoppers must have a valid ID
- Must also pass a background check
How To Sign Up As A URide Driver
Signing up is really easy and can be done mostly on your mobile. First you will need to download the URide app on your iPhone or Android phone.
Once you open the app you will need to start the sign up process. Tap the blue button in the top right corner that says “Sign up”.
The sign up page consists of 3 parts, Driver info, Car info, and a section to upload documents. Below is an image of what each screen looks like and we’ll talk about each section below.
Driver Info
The driver info is where you enter details about yourself, your drivers license number, date of birth, address. All of the basic info rideshare companies need.
Here is a list of everything URide asks for in the Driver info section:
- Avatar
- Phone number
- First name
- Last name
- ID#
- Email address
- Home address
- Date of birth
- Preferred driving city
- Drivers license info
- Gender
Car Info
- License plate number
- Car type
- Name of vehicle owner
- Vehicle year, make, model, and color
- Passenger capacity and luggage capacity
- Insurance policy number
- Insurance effective and expiry dates
Upload Documents
- Drivers license image
- Completed W9 form
- Chauffeur permit (if applicable)
- Certificate of insurance
- Vehicle registration
- Photos of the front, back, left, and right sides of the exterior of your vehicle
- Photos of the front, back, trunk interior of your vehicle
While it is not listed in the sign up, they will ask to see a photo of the odometer reading to confirm your cars mileage.
After URide has reviewed your application they will contact you to start the final onboarding. Your vehicle will need to pass a safety inspection and you will need to complete your background checks.
You can have you vehicle inspected at any accredited auto garage or at one of URides partners.
URide usually takes care of the background check for you, they will let you know what steps you need to take as some provinces requires some extra action on your part.
Finally, you will need to submit you banking and tax info and sign a driver agreement form.
Once this is all done you are officially a URide driver!
How To Contact URide
There are plenty of ways to contact URide, which is great news as far as rideshare companies go. You can contact URide by email, phone number or a contact form on their website. Their central offices are located in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
General Info Email: info@uridetech.com.com
Support Email: support@uridetech.com
Applicant Phone Number: 807-360-0747
Website: Contact Form
Address: URide Offices, 516 Victoria Avenue East, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7C 1A7
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
URide claims drivers can make $150-$300 per day. This depends on how many hours you work per day earning $150 would likely be an 8 hour day and $300 per day would have you working 10+ hours per day.
Submit an application through the URide app or on their website. You must meet all of the requirements and provide all of your documents and vehicle photos. Once you are approved by URide you can start driving.
The founder and CEO is 30 year old Cody Ruberto. He started URide in 2017 in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The basic requirements for URide drivers are:
– Full drivers license
– Proof of work eligibility – Birth certificate, work permit, passport
– HST number – as required by the Canada Revenue Agency
– Must have a smartphone compatible with the URide app
– Have own personal insurance coverage
– Clean driving record
– Cannot have a criminal background
The basic requirements for URide vehicles approval are:
– 10 years old or newer
– 4 door vehicle with 4 passenger seats and seat belts
– Less than 250,000km on the odometer
– Pass a vehicle inspection
– Proof of insurance
– Vehicle ownership
– Clean presentable interior
– Exterior free of damage or cosmetic issues
Each province or municipality may have their own requirements that must also be met.
To sign up for URide you will need to submit the following documents
– Drivers Licence
– Proof of Insurance
– Vehicle Ownership
– Proof of work eligibility
– Criminal Record Check
– Driver’s Abstract
– Vehicle Safety Inspection
– Picture of the Odometer reading (km)
– Photos of the front and back interior and trunk space
– Photos of the front, back, left, and right side of the exterior
It will take some time to gather all of the documents required. Then URide staff will need to confirm and approve your application. Total time could be anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks.
Yup! URide drivers keep 100% of the tips they earn.
The most common way to get in touch with URide is to send them an email at support@uridetech.com or info@uridetech.com.com. You can also submit a contact request at uridetech.com/moreinfo
