Toronto’s urban landscape has long been dominated by ride-hailing giants like Uber and Lyft. But in 2024, a new player entered the field—Hopp. Originally launched in Europe and backed by Bolt, Hopp is quickly gaining traction across Canada, particularly in Toronto and the surrounding GTA.
But what sets Hopp apart? Why are so many Toronto residents switching over? And what should both riders and drivers know before hopping aboard this new platform?
This comprehensive guide dives deep into everything Hopp Toronto has to offer—from pricing, service areas, and driver requirements to user feedback, safety, vehicle inspections, and even options if you don't own a car.
Let’s get started.
Chapter 1: What is Hopp?
Hopp is a ride-hailing service that competes directly with Uber and Lyft, offering on-demand transportation through a mobile app. Launched in Toronto in early 2024, it markets itself as a cost-effective, driver-friendly, and rider-safe alternative.
Key Highlights:
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Launched in Canada in 2024
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Operates in Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and surrounding areas
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Offers multiple ride categories: Standard, Comfort, XL, and Pet-Friendly
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Features competitive pricing and aggressive promotions
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Rated 4.8 stars on the Apple App Store with 15K+ reviews
Chapter 2: Where Does Hopp Operate in Toronto?
Hopp's initial rollout in Canada began in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with significant penetration in:
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Toronto (Downtown, Midtown, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York)
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Mississauga
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Vaughan
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Markham
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Richmond Hill
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Oakville
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Brampton (expanding)
It also services both Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).
Chapter 3: Hopp App Experience for Riders
Getting Started
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Download the app (iOS or Android)
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Sign up with your phone number and email
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Add a payment method
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Request a ride
Pricing
Hopp rides are often 30–50% cheaper than Uber or Lyft during off-peak hours, thanks to:
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Introductory discounts (e.g., 50% off first 10 rides)
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Surge pricing avoidance
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Flat-rate airport rides
Key App Features
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Live tracking of driver location
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Fare estimator
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Multiple ride types
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Ability to save favorite locations
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In-app tipping
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Ratings and reviews
Chapter 4: Rider Feedback – What Users Are Saying
Toronto riders have shared both excitement and criticism.
Pros:
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“Same $20 Uber ride costs $9 on Hopp. Game changer.” – Reddit
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Clean cars and polite drivers
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Easy-to-use app
Cons:
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Delayed pickups due to GPS/navigation issues
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Occasional price changes post-ride
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Smaller driver pool, especially late at night
Chapter 5: Becoming a Hopp Driver in Toronto
Interested in driving for Hopp? Here’s what you need to know.
Basic Requirements
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Must be at least 25 years old
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Must have a valid Ontario G licence
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At least 3 years of Canadian driving experience
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Own a smartphone with Android 9+ or iOS 14+
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Must pass a background check
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Must have or obtain a PTC (Private Transportation Company) Licence
Required Documents
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Driver’s licence
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Vehicle registration
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Vehicle insurance
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Proof of work eligibility
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Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)
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Tax info (SIN and GST/HST if applicable)
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Profile photo
Chapter 6: Hopp Vehicle Requirements
General Requirements
Requirement | Details |
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Vehicle Age | ≤ 7 years old in Toronto/Mississauga |
Type | 4 doors, 5–8 passenger capacity |
Condition | No branding, no salvage title |
Insurance | Must include driver name |
Tires | Snow or all-weather from Dec 1–Apr 30 |
SSC | Required within 36 days of inspection and annually thereafter |
Ride Types and Their Vehicle Categories
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Standard (Hopp): Basic 5-seater
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Comfort: Extra legroom
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XL: SUVs and vans (6–8 passengers)
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Pets: Pet-eligible and well-maintained interiors
Chapter 7: Background Checks & Compliance
What’s Checked?
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Criminal Record: Violent crimes, DUIs, theft
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Driving Record: Suspensions, accidents, DUIs
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Identity Verification: Using documents and facial recognition
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Annual Renewal: Conducted every 12 months via Certn
Disqualifying Factors:
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Criminal convictions for violent or sexual offenses
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Recent DUIs
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Multiple license suspensions
Hopp takes safety seriously—any violation of terms or criminal behavior results in immediate account suspension or banning.
Chapter 8: Vehicle Inspection (Safety Standards Certificate)
To drive for Hopp, your vehicle must pass an Ontario Ministry of Transportation inspection.
Inspection Checklist Includes:
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Brakes, suspension, steering
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Tires, electrical, lighting systems
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Body/frame condition
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Road test
Timing:
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Certificate valid for 36 days post-inspection
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Must be renewed annually
Cost:
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Ranges from $60–$150, depending on the mechanic
Recommended inspection centres include Canadian Tire, Midas, and MTO-certified shops.
Chapter 9: Don’t Own a Car? No Problem.
Don’t let the lack of a personal vehicle stop you from driving for Hopp.
Rental Options:
Rental Program | Price | Rideshare Eligible? |
---|---|---|
Autzu | $7/hr or $499/week | ✅ Yes |
HyreCar | $300–500/week | ✅ Yes |
Uber Rent | Varies by provider | ✅ Yes |
Turo/Communauto | $40–100/day | ❌ No (personal use only) |
Autzu is especially popular for electric rideshare rentals with included insurance and commercial approval.
Chapter 10: Hopp vs Uber vs Lyft
Feature | Hopp | Uber | Lyft |
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Base Fare | Lower (promo-heavy) | Standard | Mid-range |
Driver Earnings | Up to 80% take-home | 75% avg. | 75% avg. |
App Reliability | Still improving | Mature | Mature |
Availability | Limited late-night | 24/7 | 24/7 |
Customer Support | Chat-based only | In-app + email | In-app + email |
Verdict: Hopp offers better earnings for drivers and great discounts for riders, but still needs to improve availability and support responsiveness.
Chapter 11: How to Sign Up for Hopp (Driver Edition)
Step-by-Step:
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Visit gethopp.com
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Click "Drive with Hopp"
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Upload:
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Licence
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Registration
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SSC
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Insurance
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PTC certificate
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SIN & banking info
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Complete background check via Certn
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Download the Hopp Driver app
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Start accepting rides once approved
Approval typically takes 3–7 days if all documents are submitted correctly.
Chapter 12: Safety & Support
Hopp’s safety measures include:
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In-app GPS tracking for all trips
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Rider/driver rating system
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24/7 fraud and misconduct monitoring
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Commercial insurance provided by Aviva (up to $2M liability)
🚨 Limitations: There are currently no in-app emergency buttons, and response times for customer support can be slow.
Chapter 13: Tips for Success with Hopp
For Riders:
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Use introductory promo codes
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Compare pricing with Uber/Lyft before booking
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Avoid late-night rides if coverage is sparse
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Tip in-app to support drivers
For Drivers:
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Multi-app with Uber and Lyft to fill downtime
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Keep car clean and well-maintained
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Avoid rush-hour downtown if new to driving
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Track earnings daily to ensure payouts are accurate
Conclusion: Should You Choose Hopp in Toronto?
Hopp is not just another ride-hailing app. It's a bold, price-conscious, driver-forward alternative making waves across Toronto. While still new and evolving, its commitment to affordability, flexible options, and driver empowerment makes it worth trying—whether you're looking for your next ride or your next side hustle.
For Riders: If you’re looking to save money and try something new, Hopp is worth downloading today.
For Drivers: If you meet the requirements and want to keep more of your earnings, Hopp might just be your most profitable move yet.
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