FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Coastal Rides connects people who need to get somewhere or need something delivered to drivers who are able to help. When you make a request through our app or web booker the nearest drivers are automatically notified of your request. You will see a fare estimate in the app and payment is via credit card in the app, no more wondering if you have enough cash to get home.

Drivers are using their own vehicles to provide this service in the community, please treat them with respect so they continue to offer service.

Use the fare calculator on our website to get a cost estimate for your ride. Simply enter your pick-up and drop-off locations to receive an estimate.

Drivers must meet strict requirements to drive with Coastal Rides.  All drivers are required to pass background checks for criminal history and safe driving.  All vehicles must pass commercial vehicle inspections every 6 to 12 months.

Yes, we are now offering rides service on the Sunshine Coast, Texada Island and on Vancouver Island in the Comox Valley, Nanaimo, and Campbell River areas. Driver availability can vary so check the app for an up to the minute pickup estimate.

We currently serve the Sunshine Coast from Port Melon to Egmont and everywhere in between, local service in the Comox Valley, Campbell River, and Nanaimo including long-distance trips across Vancouver Island to get to/from Comox, and on Texada Island. Plus pre-booked trips in the Powell River area.

Yes, once you have your profile set up in the app, enter your pickup and drop off locations.  You will get an estimate for pickup ASAP.  In the lower left corner, you will see the option to schedule, select your date and time for pickup, or when you need to arrive at your destination and confirm. If you make a request for a trip more than 6 days in advance, the fare will show $0, please make sure to check for trips less than 6 days in advance to get the proper fare estimate.  Advanced bookings will only be confirmed if you have added a payment method to your account. Check out the Book In Advance page for more detailed information.

On the Sunshine Coast we have a few drivers with larger 9 and 14 passenger vans.  Passenger capacity and the number of available seats can vary, always make sure to add the number of riders (after confirming your drop off and pickup locations) so you will be matched with a vehicle that has room for your group.  For larger groups it is best to book in advance.

Some drivers do have bike racks.  To be matched with a driver that has room for bikes, click on the filter option after you have confirmed your pickup and drop off locations and add the number of bikes.

All children under 9 years old must ride in a proper child seat.  Drivers do not provide car seats for younger children and will cancel your trip if you do not have one.  Some drivers have booster seats for children over 5, To be matched with a driver that has a booster seat, click on the filter option after you have confirmed your pickup and drop off locations.

Most drivers are ok with taking pets, but please confirm with your driver via text message once connected.  Please book a private ride and bring a blanket or towel for your pet to lay on in the vehicle.

If you select one of our lower cost shared rides, you may be pooled with other riders.  Please make sure to add the number of riders in your group to be sure that there are enough seats available.  Riders are not permitted to sit on strangers’ laps.

Payment are all made in the app via credit card, your card is pre-authorized at the time of booking and not charged until you are dropped off at your destination. Drivers are not permitted to collect fare payment in the vehicle. Please note: if you are using a pre-paid credit card, we recommend purchasing a fare card. This way you can cancel and rebook without the pre-authorization taking 7 days to clear from your account.

You will have the option to tip your driver in the app upon completion of your trip.  Drivers are also able to accept cash tips.

To offer rides you will need your class 1, 2, or 4 driver’s license, a commercial vehicle inspection, and a police information and vulnerable sectors check. Check out the drive with us page for more detailed information.

Coastal Rides works best with our smartphone app available on Google Play and in the App Store. Trips can also be booked on your computer or any device through our booking website. If you have trouble booking in the app, please email info@coastalrides.ca.

Please visit our cancellation policy page for more information.

Refer to the Detours and Delays section on the Cancellation and Additional Charges page for more information.