Montreal, one of Canada’s most vibrant cities, has a fast-growing demand for ride-sharing services. While Uber remains a popular choice, many residents and visitors are now exploring alternative transportation platforms for various reasons — affordability, better driver treatment, app features, or local support.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore Uber alternatives in Montreal, comparing features, pricing, regulations, availability, and user experience. Whether you're a commuter, traveler, or driver looking to join a platform, this article will give you everything you need to make an informed choice.
Why Seek Uber Alternatives in Montreal?
There are several reasons Montrealers are seeking Uber alternatives:
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Fare Transparency: Some alternatives offer fixed pricing or fare estimates upfront.
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Driver Ethics: Local platforms like Eva are co-operative-based, supporting fair pay and profit-sharing.
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Regulatory Issues: Uber has faced legal battles in Quebec regarding driver training and background checks.
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Local Economy Support: Platforms like Eva and Taxi Diamond support local drivers and reinvest profits locally.
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Sustainability: Some services use electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce carbon footprint.
Legal Landscape of Ride-Sharing in Quebec
Quebec regulates ride-sharing under a specific law known as the Projet pilote relatif à l’intégration des services de transport rémunéré de personnes par automobile. Key features include:
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Mandatory driver training
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Vehicle inspections
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Background checks
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Province-wide taxi and ride-hailing license integration
Uber and other operators must comply, creating a level playing field for all ride-sharing and taxi services in the province.
Top Uber Alternatives in Montreal
Let’s explore the most notable alternatives to Uber available in Montreal.
Eva – Montreal's Homegrown Blockchain Ride-Sharing Co-op
Launched: 2019
Platform: Blockchain-based
Business Model: Co-op (driver-owned)
Coverage: Greater Montreal area
Highlights:
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Built in partnership with Concordia University’s innovation lab
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Profits shared among drivers
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Pricing competitive with Uber
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Supports both rides and food delivery
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Strong emphasis on local ownership and control
Pros:
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Ethical, community-based model
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Transparent pricing
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Strong customer support
Cons:
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Fewer drivers than Uber
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Limited availability during off-peak hours
Download: Available on iOS and Android
Website: https://eva.coop
Lyft (Limited Availability)
While Lyft has limited operations in Canada, as of now, it does not operate in Quebec due to regulatory issues. However, this may change as Quebec modernizes its ride-hailing policies.
Current Status: Not available in Montreal (as of 2025)
Website: https://lyft.com
Téo Taxi (The Electric Revival)
Originally Launched: 2016
Relaunched: 2020
Fleet: 100% Electric
App: Available on iOS and Android
Téo Taxi was shut down in 2019 but has been revived with a smaller fleet and improved business model.
Pros:
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Fully electric fleet
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Professional, salaried drivers
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Pre-scheduled rides
Cons:
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Less availability
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Slightly higher fares
Website: https://teomtl.com
Bolt (Coming Soon?)
Bolt, a major European ride-sharing service, has been eyeing Canadian expansion. Although not yet in Montreal, it may enter the market depending on Quebec’s evolving ride-hailing laws.
Status: Not operational in Montreal as of 2025
Website: https://bolt.eu
Local Taxi Companies
Montreal still has a strong network of traditional taxi services now fully integrated with ride-hailing apps.
Taxi Diamond
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Offers app-based and phone booking
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Competitive rates
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Long history in Montreal
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Modern app interface
App: iOS & Android
Website: https://taxidiamond.com
Coop Taxi
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A large driver cooperative
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Uses fully regulated drivers
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Offers pre-booking and airport rides
Website: https://cooptaxi.ca
Pros:
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Regulated by Quebec laws
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Reliable and established
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Available 24/7
Cons:
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Traditional fare model (metered)
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Limited app experience compared to Uber
Kangaride – Long Distance Carpooling
Ideal For: Intercity rides (e.g., Montreal to Quebec City)
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Matches drivers and riders for long-distance trips
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Safe and community-reviewed
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Environmentally friendly
Website: https://www.kangaride.com
Poparide – Budget Carpooling
Focus: Inexpensive travel across Canadian cities
Pricing: Per seat basis, starting at $10
Environment: Carpooling = fewer cars = less CO2
App: Available on Android & iOS
Website: https://www.poparide.com
Communauto – Car Sharing Over Ride Sharing
Type: Self-driven car sharing
Availability: Widely available in Montreal
Best For: Hourly rentals, flexible usage
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Not strictly a ride-sharing platform
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Ideal for locals who want to drive themselves occasionally
Website: https://communauto.com
In-Depth Comparison Table
Platform | Type | Availability | Driver Ownership | App Quality | Price Range | Sustainability |
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Eva | Ride-sharing Co-op | High | Yes | Good | $-$$ | Moderate |
Téo Taxi | Electric Taxi | Medium | No | Good | $$ | High |
Taxi Diamond | Taxi | High | Partial (Co-op) | Moderate | $$ | Medium |
Poparide | Carpooling | High | N/A | High | $ | High |
Kangaride | Carpooling | Medium | N/A | High | $ | High |
Communauto | Car Sharing | High | N/A | Good | $$ | High |
Best Uber Alternative for Drivers
If you’re a driver in Montreal, your best alternative to Uber is Eva. Here's why:
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You become a co-owner in the platform.
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Eva takes a smaller commission compared to Uber.
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Payouts are fast and transparent.
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Driver support is strong and community-based.
Traditional taxi services may be more stable but involve high licensing costs and rigid schedules.
Environmental & Ethical Considerations
Montrealers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their transportation choices. Here’s how alternatives compare:
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Téo Taxi is fully electric and leads the pack in sustainability.
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Communauto promotes car-sharing to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
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Eva partners with eco-conscious drivers, although not all vehicles are electric.
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Carpooling platforms like Poparide and Kangaride cut emissions through shared trips.
Safety Standards & App Features
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Eva: Background checks, live GPS tracking, emergency SOS
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Téo Taxi: Professionally trained, salaried drivers
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Taxi Cooperatives: Government-regulated, extensive driver screening
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Poparide/Kangaride: Community reviews, profiles, direct messaging
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Communauto: Insurance included, clean vehicle standards
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Eva cheaper than Uber in Montreal?
A: Often, yes. Eva charges lower commission from drivers, which can translate to lower rider fares.
Q: Is Lyft available in Montreal?
A: No. Lyft does not currently operate in Quebec due to provincial regulatory barriers.
Q: Can I pre-book a ride on Eva or Téo Taxi?
A: Yes. Both platforms support scheduled rides, especially for airport trips.
Q: What’s the best choice for airport transfers?
A: Téo Taxi or Taxi Diamond offer reliable flat-rate airport services.
Q: Which ride-sharing app pays drivers the most in Montreal?
A: Eva is considered the most driver-friendly platform due to its co-op structure and profit-sharing.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Uber Alternative in Montreal
Montreal offers a refreshing mix of local and innovative alternatives to Uber. Whether you value:
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Supporting local drivers (Eva, Coop Taxi)
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Prioritizing environmental sustainability (Téo Taxi, Poparide)
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Saving on long-distance travel (Kangaride)
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Or just want a reliable, familiar taxi experience (Taxi Diamond)
…there’s a platform that fits your needs.
As Quebec continues to evolve its transportation policies, the ride-sharing landscape in Montreal will only become more diverse and competitive. For riders and drivers alike, this is good news — more choices, fairer pricing, and better service.
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