How Much Do Hovr Drivers Make in Canada? A Deep Dive into Earnings

How Much Do HOVR Drivers Make in Canada? 

The gig economy has transformed how Canadians earn a living, with rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft dominating the market. But in 2024, a new player, HOVR, emerged in Toronto, promising a fairer deal for drivers. Unlike its competitors, HOVR lets drivers keep 100% of their fares, charging only a flat $20 monthly subscription fee. This bold model has sparked curiosity: How much do HOVR drivers make in Canada? In this article, we’ll break down HOVR’s earnings potential, explore real-world driver experiences, compare it to traditional platforms, and analyze the factors that shape income. Let’s dive in.

Understanding HOVR’s Unique Business Model

HOVR, launched in May 2024 in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), was founded by Harrison Amit to address driver dissatisfaction in the rideshare industry. Its tagline, “100% Fare is 100% Fair,” reflects a commitment to equitable pay. Unlike Uber and Lyft, which take 25-40% of each fare as commission, HOVR operates on a membership-based model. Drivers pay a $20 monthly fee (an introductory rate, subject to increase) and retain every dollar of the fare, plus tips. Riders, meanwhile, pay a $1 platform fee per trip, alongside the fare, insurance, city fees, and transaction fees, which go entirely to the driver.

This structure aims to maximize driver earnings while keeping rider costs competitive. HOVR’s website emphasizes transparency, noting that one trip can cover about 70% of the monthly fee, implying an average fare of roughly $14.29 ($20 × 70% = $14). The company’s mission, as outlined on its About page, is to make transportation accessible and fair, addressing the financial struggles many drivers faced during the pandemic.

Estimating HOVR Driver Earnings

Precise earnings data for HOVR drivers is scarce due to the platform’s early stage, but we can estimate income based on available information, driver reviews, and industry benchmarks. Here’s a detailed breakdown.

Average Fare and Trip Volume

HOVR’s claim that one trip covers 70% of the $20 monthly fee suggests an average fare of $14.29. Fares are calculated using a fixed base rate plus variable amounts for time and distance, similar to other platforms but without commission deductions. Trip volume, however, varies widely:

• High-performing drivers in busy areas like downtown Toronto report completing “dozens of trips monthly,” per HOVR’s response to app store reviews HOVR Driver - Google Play.
• Low-performing drivers, especially in suburban or less populated areas, may struggle, with some reporting no trips in a month, as noted in the same reviews.

Earnings depend heavily on how many trips a driver completes daily. Let’s assume a driver works 20 days per month, a realistic schedule for part-time or full-time gig workers.

Earnings Scenarios

Using the $14.29 average fare and accounting for the $20 monthly fee (approximately $0.67 per day), here are three earnings scenarios:

1. Low Volume: 5 Trips per Day
   • Daily earnings: 5 × $14.29 = $71.45
   • Daily net (after fee): $71.45 - $0.67 = $70.78
   • Monthly net: $70.78 × 20 = $1,415.60
   • Annual net: $1,415.60 × 12 = $16,987.20
2. Moderate Volume: 10 Trips per Day
   • Daily earnings: 10 × $14.29 = $142.90
   • Daily net: $142.90 - $0.67 = $142.23
   • Monthly net: $142.23 × 20 = $2,844.60
   • Annual net: $2,844.60 × 12 = $34,135.20
3. High Volume: 15 Trips per Day
   • Daily earnings: 15 × $14.29 = $214.35
   • Daily net: $214.35 - $0.67 = $213.68
   • Monthly net: $213.68 × 20 = $4,273.60
   • Annual net: $4,273.60 × 12 = $51,283.20

These estimates suggest HOVR drivers can earn between $17,000 and $51,000 annually, depending on trip volume. However, these figures are before expenses like fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and taxes, which drivers must cover as self-employed contractors.

Real-World Earnings Variability

Driver experiences highlight significant variability:

• A former Uber driver interviewed by CBC News noted that retaining an extra 25% of fares (equivalent to HOVR’s model) would have allowed them to stay in the industry, suggesting HOVR’s structure could yield higher net earnings.
• Conversely, a Google Play review complained of receiving no trips in a month, prompting a refund request. HOVR responded by noting that many drivers complete dozens of trips monthly, indicating a divide between high- and low-earning drivers.

Location is a critical factor. Downtown Toronto, with its dense population and high demand, offers more opportunities than suburban areas. HOVR’s smaller rider base compared to Uber and Lyft also limits trip availability, particularly in less populated regions.

Comparing HOVR to Uber and Lyft

To understand HOVR’s earnings potential, let’s compare it to established platforms. A 2024 City of Toronto report, conducted by researchers from the University of Toronto and Université de l’Ontario Français, found that Uber and Lyft drivers earned a median net hourly wage of $5.97 in early 2024, far below Ontario’s minimum wage of $16.55 The Globe and Mail. This low wage reflects high commission rates and expenses.

In contrast, HOVR’s no-commission model and fixed $20 fee offer a more predictable cost structure. For example:

• On a $14.29 fare, Uber might take 30% ($4.29), leaving the driver with $10. HOVR drivers keep the full $14.29, minus the prorated $0.67 daily fee, netting $13.62—a 36% higher take-home.
• Over 10 trips per day, this difference adds up: Uber nets $99.33 after commissions, while HOVR nets $142.23, a $42.90 daily advantage.

However, Uber and Lyft’s larger rider bases ensure more consistent trip volume, which HOVR struggles to match. A 2024 article in The Globe and Mail noted HOVR’s challenge in attracting riders, which directly impacts driver earnings.

Industry Benchmarks

According to DriversNote, Canadian rideshare drivers (primarily Uber and Lyft) report annual earnings of $38,000 to $65,500, depending on experience, trip volume, and tips. HOVR’s high-volume scenario ($51,283) falls within this range, but its low-volume scenario ($16,987) underscores the risk of inconsistent trips. HOVR’s model has the potential to outperform competitors for drivers who secure steady rides, but market penetration remains a hurdle.

Bonuses and Incentives

HOVR promotes “competitive rates and bonuses” as part of its driver program, but specific details are sparse. Unlike Uber and Lyft, which offer sign-on bonuses, referral rewards, or surge pricing, HOVR’s bonuses are likely tied to performance (e.g., completing a set number of trips) or promotional campaigns. The lack of surge pricing, as confirmed by CBC News, suggests bonuses may be flat rewards rather than dynamic incentives.

Driver reviews don’t mention specific bonus amounts, and HOVR’s website and app store descriptions HOVR Driver - Apple App Store are vague. To clarify bonus structures, drivers should check the HOVR Driver app or contact support. Bonuses could boost earnings, but their impact is likely limited if trip volume remains low.

Expenses and Tax Implications

HOVR drivers, like all rideshare workers, are self-employed and must cover expenses such as:

• Fuel: Varies by vehicle efficiency and driving distance.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Regular wear and tear, oil changes, and repairs.
• Insurance: Commercial or rideshare-specific policies, which are costlier than personal plans.
• Phone/Data: Required for the HOVR Driver app.

These costs can significantly reduce net earnings. For example, fuel and maintenance might consume 20-30% of gross income, depending on driving patterns.

As self-employed contractors, drivers report earnings as business income on the T2125 form for tax purposes. They can deduct expenses like mileage, fuel, and insurance, which can lower taxable income. Tools like RideWiz’s app, recommended in their blog, help track these deductions. Proper tax planning is crucial to maximizing take-home pay.

Challenges Impacting Earnings

Several factors influence HOVR driver earnings:

1. Location: Downtown Toronto offers more trips than suburban or rural areas. Drivers outside high-demand zones may struggle, as seen in app store reviews.
2. Rider Demand: HOVR’s smaller customer base limits trip availability. A Toronto Guardian article noted HOVR’s efforts to grow, but it lags behind Uber and Lyft’s market share.
3. Market Competition: Uber and Lyft’s dominance makes it hard for HOVR to attract riders, impacting driver trip volume CBC News.
4. Platform Growth: HOVR’s $385,000 in initial funding and ongoing crowdfunding campaign (targeting $800,000 by December 2024) signal expansion plans, but scaling is critical for consistent earnings The Globe and Mail.

Future Outlook for HOVR Drivers

As of June 24, 2025, HOVR is still in its infancy, with operations primarily in Toronto. Its earnings potential is promising for drivers who secure steady trips, particularly in high-demand areas. The no-commission model offers a clear advantage over competitors, but low trip volume remains a significant hurdle. As HOVR expands—potentially to other Canadian cities like Vancouver or Montreal—rider adoption could improve, leading to more consistent earnings.

Industry experts, like Kam Phung from Simon Fraser University, see room for disruption in ridesharing, but HOVR must overcome entrenched competitors CBC News. If HOVR’s crowdfunding and growth strategies succeed, drivers could see earnings stabilize, potentially surpassing Uber and Lyft for high-volume workers.

Tips for Maximizing HOVR Earnings

To boost income, HOVR drivers can:

• Focus on High-Demand Areas: Stick to busy zones like downtown Toronto during peak hours (e.g., rush hour, weekends).
• Track Expenses: Use apps like RideWiz or DriversNote to log mileage and deductions for tax savings.
• Stay Informed: Check the HOVR Driver app for updates on bonuses or promotional campaigns.
• Supplement Income: Combine HOVR with other gig work (e.g., Uber, food delivery) to offset slow periods.

Conclusion

HOVR drivers in Canada can earn between $17,000 and $51,000 annually, depending on trip volume, location, and expenses. The platform’s no-commission model and $20 monthly fee offer higher net earnings per trip than Uber and Lyft, but inconsistent trip volume, especially outside downtown Toronto, poses challenges. As HOVR grows its rider base and expands, earnings could become more stable, making it a compelling option for gig workers.

For drivers considering HOVR, location is key. Those in high-demand areas stand to benefit most, while others may need to supplement with other platforms. To explore HOVR’s potential, download the HOVR Driver app or contact support for details on bonuses and local demand. In a competitive industry, HOVR’s driver-centric model is a bold step toward fairer pay—time will tell if it can deliver consistent earnings.