Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions — For Customers
To book a ride:
- Download the Saugeen Drives – Customer App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and enter your pickup location and destination.
- View fare estimate and tap “Book Ride”.
- Your request will be matched with a nearby driver.
- Track your driver in real-time until pickup.
Yes. Creating a free account helps ensure safety and allows you to:
- Save your ride history.
- Add preferred payment methods.
- Rate your drivers and receive support when needed.
You can pay using:
- Debit/Credit Card securely through the app.
- Cash directly to the driver (if you choose this option before booking).
Yes, rider safety is a top priority:
- All drivers go through criminal background checks, vulnerable sector screening, and driving history review.
- Vehicles undergo mechanical inspections.
- All trips are GPS-tracked.
- You can rate your experience after each trip to help maintain high standards.
Fare is simply based on:
- Distance between pickup and drop-off.
- Vehicle category selected for the ride.
You’ll see a transparent fare estimate before confirming the ride. No hidden charges.
- Children: Riders must provide and install their own child seats, as required by law.
- Pets: Small pets in carriers are usually acceptable, but it’s good practice to message or call the driver after booking to confirm.
- For contacting driver, tap the Call or Message button on screen after booking a ride.
- For help or complaints, go to Menu > About > Contact Us in the app or email us at admin@saugeendrives.com.
Currently, Saugeen Drives supports on-demand rides only. Advanced scheduling is a feature we’re planning to introduce in the future.
You may cancel a ride before the driver arrives. However, a small cancellation fee may apply if the driver is already en route to compensate for their time and fuel.
After your trip ends:
- You’ll be prompted to rate your driver (1 to 5 stars).
- You can also leave written feedback or report any issues.
Your feedback helps improve our service for everyone.
Contact Us and our team will assist in retrieving your belongings.
If you feel unsafe:
- Use the in-app “SOS” button during a ride.
- Our team will contact you through text message.
- Explain the situation in brief message to our support team.
- We'll contact local authorities on your behalf, as required.
We investigate all safety-related reports thoroughly.
Yes. After each ride, you’ll receive a trip receipt via email with fare details. You can also view past receipts in the “History” section of the app.
Saugeen Drives follows strict privacy and data protection protocols. Your personal details are never sold, and only used to provide and improve our services. View our full Privacy Policy for more.
Frequently Asked Questions — For Drivers
To become a driver:
- Download the Saugeen Drives – Driver App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Sign up in the app with your basic information.
- Our system will generate a unique link and email it to you for uploading your required documents.
- Once your documents are verified and approved, you will be activated to start accepting ride requests.
For a complete list of required documents, click here.
To ensure safety and legal compliance, we require the following:
- Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence
- Vehicle Safety Standards Certificate
- Ministry of Transportation Driver’s Abstract
- Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Record Check from your local police
- A clear photo of yourself
- Proof of Vehicle Insurance
- Your GST/HST Number (register with CRA)
Each of these documents helps us maintain a high level of safety and professionalism on the platform.
Yes. Your vehicle must:
- Be in excellent mechanical condition
- Be covered by valid insurance
- Pass a Safety Standards Certificate inspection
- Be clean, presentable, and roadworthy
We do not currently allow commercial vans, trucks, or limousines.
Your earnings depend on:
- Number of completed rides
- Distance of each ride
Currently, we are charging a flat 20% commission as Admin fees from a driver's earning.
You’ll see earnings from each ride in the Driver App and receive weekly payouts to your bank account.
Drivers are paid weekly via direct deposit. The platform:
- Calculates your ride fares
- Deducts Saugeen Drives’ service fee
- Transfers your net earnings automatically to your provided bank account
Drivers are responsible to pay the taxes from earnings to CRA, as per the governing law.
You can view earnings in the “Earnings” tab of the Driver App.
There are no application fees, but you are responsible for:
- Costs of obtaining required documents (e.g., abstract, police checks)
- Safety inspection and insurance
- Fuel and maintenance of your vehicle
These steps ensure a safe and reliable environment for all riders.
Yes! With Saugeen Drives:
- You choose when to go online and accept trips.
- Whether you want to drive full-time or part-time, it’s entirely up to you.
Once approved:
- Open the Driver App and go online
- You’ll receive trip requests showing the pickup location, estimated time, and fare, when a rider requests your vehicle
- Tap to accept the request
- After pickup, navigate using the in-app map and complete the ride
A regular Ontario G-class Driver’s Licence is sufficient. However, municipal requirements may vary:
- Some towns require municipal taxi/ride-share licensing.
We will inform you if additional local permits or fees are needed in your area.
Our team will:
- Review your documents for compliance and clarity
- Approve or request re-submission if anything is missing or unclear
- Obtain a taxi/ride-sharing licence for you from the Municipality
- Notify you via email once your driver account is fully activated
We’re committed to your success. Support includes:
- In-app support
- Direct email support at admin@saugeendrives.com
- Guidance on tax registration and insurance requirements.
As of now, the drivers must carry their own valid commercial auto insurance.
While Saugeen Drives require proof of insurance from the drivers, platform insurance policies are under review and may be introduced in the future to supplement driver coverage during trips.
Yes, if:
- You are listed as an authorized driver on the insurance policy
- The vehicle passes inspection and is registered under the owner’s consent
- You provide necessary documentation for the vehicle and its insurance
Yes, we reserve the right to deactivate any driver for:
- Unsafe driving or traffic violations
- Poor rider ratings or repeated complaints
- Providing false or expired documents
- Violating community guidelines or legal requirements
We aim to create a respectful, reliable experience for all users.
Frequently Asked Questions — General
Saugeen Drives is a locally operated ride-sharing platform serving Saugeen Shores and nearby areas. We connect passengers with reliable, community-based drivers through our mobile apps, making local transportation more accessible, affordable, and convenient.
Unlike national ride-sharing platforms, Saugeen Drives:
- Focuses exclusively on local communities
- Offers transparent and fair pricing
- Ensures all drivers are vetted, insured, and safety-certified
- Is committed to community growth and reinvestment
Our goal is to build a safe and sustainable local transportation option.
We currently serve:
- Port Elgin
- Southampton
Service coverage is visible in the app and will grow based on community demand.
Simply:
- Download the Customer App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Create an account with your contact information
- Enter pickup and drop-off locations
- Get matched with a nearby driver
- Track your ride, pay, and rate the experience
Yes, both riders and drivers must create an account through their respective apps.
- Safety verification
- Accurate trip records
- Payment processing and support
Saugeen Drives apps are available for:
- Android smartphones (via Google Play)
- iPhones (via Apple App Store)
Both Customer and Driver apps are optimized for mobile use only.
Fares are calculated based on:
- Distance traveled
- Vehicle category selected
You’ll always see the estimated fare before confirming your ride. No hidden fees.
Yes. Riders can choose to:
- Pay by credit/debit card in the app
- Or pay cash directly to the driver
The payment method is selected by the customer, during the booking process.
Tipping is entirely optional, but always appreciated by drivers. Currently, tips are possible through cash only.
Yes. We take safety seriously by:
- Verifying all drivers through police checks and vehicle inspections
- Offering real-time GPS tracking during rides
- Giving riders the ability to rate and report drivers
- Allowing emergency contact options in the app
Scheduled rides are a feature we plan to offer soon. Currently, rides must be booked in real-time.
Follow our updates for new features on our website and social media channels.
Drivers have the option to accept or decline rides with pets.
If you plan to bring a pet, please message or call the driver after booking to confirm.
Yes. You may cancel a ride in the app before the driver arrives.
Yes. For any issues or questions, reach us through our Contact Us page. We aim to respond promptly and help resolve any concerns.
Yes. We comply with all local and provincial regulations for ride-sharing operations.
Driver screening, vehicle safety, and service practices are aligned with municipal standards and ongoing dialogue with town officials.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mobile Apps
Saugeen Drives offers two separate mobile apps:
- Customer App: For booking rides as a passenger.
- Driver App: For registered drivers to receive and complete ride requests.
Both apps are available for Android and iOS devices.
Yes. Creating a free account helps ensure safety and allows you to:
- Save your ride history.
- Add preferred payment methods.
- Rate your drivers and receive support when needed.
You can pay using:
- Debit/Credit Card securely through the app.
- Cash directly to the driver (if you choose this option before booking).
After your trip ends:
- You’ll be prompted to rate your driver (1 to 5 stars).
- You can also leave written feedback or report any issues.
Your feedback helps improve our service for everyone.
