Quick answer: As-directed (also called hourly) service means you reserve a car and professional chauffeur for a block of time — usually a 2-hour minimum— and use them however you like: multiple stops, waiting, changes of plan. It's billed by the hour and is ideal when your day isn't a single fixed trip.
Most people know the point-to-point booking: pick-up here, drop-off there, one price. As-directed is the other half of chauffeur service — and for a lot of days, it's the one you actually want.
What "as-directed" means
You reserve the vehicle and chauffeur for a block of time rather than a route. Within that window the car is yours: go where you need, wait as long as you like, change the plan on the fly. The chauffeur stays with you and the vehicle throughout. This is the core of our hourly chauffeur service.
When as-directed is the right call
- Multi-stop business days — several meetings across the city with waiting in between.
- Investor roadshows — a full day of back-to-back sessions on a tight clock.
- Personal days — shopping, appointments, or errands with an unhurried schedule.
- Events & nights out — dinner, a show, and home, with the car waiting between.
- A day trip with stops — wine country or Niagara, where the plan flexes as you go.
- VIP or talent days — a dedicated car on standby for whatever the day brings.
As-directed vs a single transfer
If your day really is one trip from A to B, a point-to-point price is simpler and often cheaper. The moment there's waiting, a second stop, or an uncertain end time, as-directed wins — you stop paying per journey and start paying for a reserved car. We break the decision down in hourly vs point-to-point chauffeur.
What's included
Your hourly rate covers the vehicle, the professional chauffeur, fuel, waiting time, and bottled water. Gratuity (15–20%) is usually separate — see how much to tip a chauffeur.
How RAO handles as-directed days
Tell us the date, the hours, and the kind of day, and we'll assign the right vehicle from our fleet and a chauffeur who knows the city — one fixed hourly rate, no surprises. Request a quote to reserve your block of time.
Frequently asked
What does "as-directed" actually mean?
You reserve a car and a professional chauffeur for a block of time — say four hours — and direct them wherever you need within that window. There's no fixed route; the chauffeur waits between stops and moves on your say-so.
Is there a minimum booking?
Yes — as-directed bookings typically carry a 2-hour minimum in Toronto, with additional time billed per hour. RAO confirms the minimum and rate when you request a quote.
Can I change the plan mid-day?
That's the whole point. Add a stop, wait longer at one, or reorder your route — your chauffeur adapts in real time. As-directed is built for days where the schedule isn't fixed.
How is it billed?
By the hour, from your reserved start time, including waiting between stops. Fuel and bottled water are included; gratuity of 15–20% is usually added on top.