Lease-a-Cab independent taxi driver

The same riders as any local taxi: residents, airport and station travellers, older people, hotel guests and people heading home after an evening out.

You keep metered fares and tips after paying the lease, fuel and any dispatch fees. Your take-home depends on how many hours you drive and when.

• Safe, calm driving in all weather
• Local route knowledge
• Customer service
• Managing your own time and costs

• Lease terms differ widely, so read the contract carefully for deposits, damage charges and what insurance covers
• Check whether you are classed as an independent operator or an employee, and what that means for tax, CPP and any workers' compensation in your province
• Revenue figures here are before lease, fuel and fees, so take-home income can be much lower
• Set money aside for income tax and GST/HST if you must register. Check with the CRA
• Late-night and winter shifts bring safety and weather risks, so plan your hours carefully

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the lease deposit and the terms. Read the contract carefully for deposits, damage charges and what insurance covers before you sign.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your hours and local demand. This is before lease, fuel and fees, so take-home income can be much lower. The idea needs at least around 20 hours a week.

Check whether you are classed as an independent operator or an employee, and what that means for tax, CPP and workers' compensation in your province. Set money aside for income tax, and check with the CRA about GST/HST registration.