Rides for seniors and appointments

Older adults, their adult children, retirement residences, home care agencies and people recovering from surgery.

Per-trip or hourly rates, with waiting time charged. Regular weekly clients and monthly packages give steadier income.

• Patient and kind with people
• Safe, calm driving
• Reliable scheduling

• Rules for taxis, limousines and private transport differ by province and city, so check before charging fares
• Commercial passenger insurance, since personal cover usually won't apply
• Many clients and referral partners will expect a police check including the vulnerable sector
• Wheelchair or mobility-device transport may need special vehicles and training, and different rules
• Winter driving, and clear cancellation and waiting-time terms

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your vehicle, insurance and any equipment you need. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how many hours you drive and how many clients you book.

Check before charging fares: rules for taxis, limousines and private transport differ by province and city. Also check commercial passenger insurance, since personal cover usually won't apply, and whether clients will expect a police check including the vulnerable sector.

Estimates suggest at least about 15 hours a week to get started. Useful skills include being patient and kind with people, safe and calm driving, and reliable scheduling. Also plan for winter driving and clear cancellation and waiting-time terms.