Published on Tuesday, August 6, 2024

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The headquartered in California, USA company, Uber, has announced an expansion of its operations in Costa Rica, making its app available in Puntarenas Province.

According to the company, tourists and residents may now use private ride-hailing services in cantons such as Santa Teresa, Puntarenas City, Orotina, Herradura, Jacó, Buenos Aires, Palmar, Golfito, San Vito, and Paso Canoas.

"Every year, this province draws thousands of local and foreign visitors," said the private transportation company in its statement. "The platform is anticipated to improve access to key tourism locations."

Uber noted that before opening operations in the Pacific Coast zone, visiting some of those cantons was difficult owing to limited public transportation options and challenging routes.

"Tourists and residents can now travel more efficiently and comfortably, encouraging more people to visit the region and enjoy its attractions," the business added.

The expansion includes the Uber Eats platform, which enables local businesses to provide online food ordering and delivery services.

In May, the U.S. company announced that Uber Moto will begin with a test program in Cartago.


Private riding services are now provided in Cartago, La Unión, Alvarado, Oreamuno, El Guarco, Paraíso, and Turrialba cantons.


Uber Moto is currently available in 20 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, and France, according to the company.


Uber is already available across Costa Rica, with a driver base of approximately 28,000, according to the company.


Currently, private ride-hailing services such as Uber, Easy Taxi, and Didi among others, are not permitted in Costa Rica. The legislation only allows so-called red taxis to offer individual transportation services.


Uber operates in around 70 countries and 10,500 cities globally. It is the world's largest ride-sharing firm, with more than 150 million monthly customers and 6 million drivers and couriers. In 2022, the company recorded $32.11 billion in assets.
 

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