Uber riders in British Columbia may pay more for short trips after new provincial minimum rates for ride-hailing services took effect on August 18, 2026.
The updated rules apply across all five passenger transportation regions in B.C. and establish the lowest amount that licensed transportation network services can charge for a trip. The rules affect Uber and other app-based ride-hailing services, although the final price of a ride can still vary based on distance, time, demand, vehicle type, taxes and other charges. The Passenger Transportation Board’s ride-hail rate rules establish these minimums.
Table of Contents
Uber minimum fares in B.C.
The Passenger Transportation Board’s new schedule sets different minimum rates depending on where a trip begins. The largest increase applies in the Capital Regional District, which includes Victoria.
| Region | Key areas | Previous minimum | New minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region 1 | Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and Squamish-Lillooet | $3.35 | $4.43 |
| Region 2 | Capital Regional District | $3.40 | $6.03 |
| Region 3 | Nanaimo, Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley and Alberni-Clayoquot | $3.40 | $3.94 |
| Region 4 | Okanagan, Kootenays, Kamloops and Cariboo | $3.50 | $3.95 |
| Region 5 | Prince George, Northern B.C. and Sunshine Coast | Not previously listed | $3.80 |
The new minimum is a fare floor, not a flat price for every Uber trip. A longer ride, a trip during a high-demand period or a ride with additional fees may cost substantially more than the regional minimum.
Victoria sees the sharpest increase
Victoria and the surrounding Capital Regional District recorded the biggest numerical and percentage increase. The minimum rose from $3.40 to $6.03, an increase of $2.63.
That change is most relevant to very short rides. For longer journeys, the quoted price will continue to depend on the route, estimated travel time, demand and applicable charges rather than the minimum alone.
Metro Vancouver’s minimum rose from $3.35 to $4.43. The new floor covers the region that includes Vancouver, much of the Fraser Valley and Squamish-Lillooet.
What the change means for Uber riders
Passengers should continue to check the upfront fare displayed in the Uber app before confirming a trip. Uber says trip pricing can include a base fare, time and distance components, surge pricing, tolls, fees and promotions, depending on the market and trip.
The provincial regulation does not mean every ride automatically increased by the same amount. Instead, it prevents a trip from being priced below the applicable minimum for the region where the ride starts.
Discounts and promotions also cannot reduce the fare below the applicable regulated floor, according to the provincial ride-hail rate rules.
What the change means for Uber drivers
The fare update is separate from B.C.’s minimum earnings guarantee for app-based workers. Under the provincial framework, eligible ride-hailing workers are guaranteed at least 120 per cent of the general minimum wage for engaged time, along with expense compensation based on active kilometres.
As of June 1, 2026, B.C.’s engaged-time minimum for app-based ride-hailing and delivery workers is $21.89 an hour. Uber’s driver information says the guarantee is calculated over the applicable pay period and may result in a top-up when eligible earnings fall below the required amount. Uber’s minimum earnings guarantee applies to eligible workers.
The minimum fare rules and the earnings guarantee address different parts of the system. The first sets a minimum price for a passenger trip, while the second establishes a minimum earnings calculation for eligible workers based on active time and distance.
Why B.C. changed the fare floor
The Passenger Transportation Board announced the 2026 rate changes on February 18, giving ride-hailing companies time to update their platforms before the August 18 effective date. The board describes itself as the independent tribunal responsible for regulating ride-hailing and other passenger transportation services under B.C.’s Passenger Transportation Act.
The new schedule also adds a listed minimum for Region 5, which covers northern and other communities that were not assigned a previous minimum in the board’s comparison table.
What happens next
For passengers, the practical impact will depend on how often they take short trips and where they travel. Riders in Victoria face the largest minimum-rate change, while users in Metro Vancouver will see a smaller increase to the regulated floor.
Uber users who believe a fare was calculated incorrectly can review the trip receipt and itemized price in the app. Uber says receipts should explain differences between an upfront price and a final charge when a post-trip adjustment applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Uber fares increase across all of B.C.?
B.C. increased the regulated minimum fare for ride-hailing trips in all five passenger transportation regions. That does not mean every Uber trip rose by the same amount.
What is the new Uber minimum fare in Vancouver?
The Region 1 minimum, which covers Metro Vancouver and nearby areas, is $4.43 as of August 18, 2026.
What is the new Uber minimum fare in Victoria?
The minimum for the Capital Regional District is $6.03, up from $3.40.
Does the minimum fare apply to Uber Eats?
No. The Passenger Transportation Board’s ride-hail minimums apply to passenger transportation trips, not food-delivery orders.
How can Uber passengers check the fare?
Passengers can review the upfront price before confirming a ride and inspect the itemized receipt in the Uber app after the trip.
Fact-Checked: Key rates, effective dates and worker-payment details were checked against the B.C. Passenger Transportation Board, the B.C. government and Uber’s official information pages.
Disclaimer: Actual Uber prices vary by trip, location, demand, vehicle option, taxes and other applicable fees.