Uber begins registering drivers in Costa Rica, expected to begin service without official approval

(Uber)

August 13^th, 2015 (ICR News) Controversial “driver for hire” smartphone app Uber has begun allowing drivers in Costa Rica to sign up for the service on its web site, and the company is likely to begin operations “in the coming days” and without the approval of Costa Rica’s transport ministry, sources with knowledge of the situation told ICR News.

Transportation minister, Sebastian Urbina has repeatedly stated that Uber is obligated to comply with the country’s public transport laws and to be regulated by the Public Transport Council, but a Uber spokesperson told La Nacion that the company plans to begin operating without the approval of transport officials.

Motorists in Costa Rica wishing to become an Uber driver by registering on the company’s web site must register their personal data as well as the details of their vehicle (model and year).  Drivers must also upload copies of an up-to-date vehicle inspection (Riteve), registration, and driver’s license.

Vehicles cannot be older than 10 years, must have four doors, and the driver must be at least 21 years of age and carry “adequate insurance.”

Backlash from licensed taxi drivers expected

Costa Rica’s largest union of licensed taxi drivers, known as the National Taxi Drivers Forum, said late last month that they were “declaring war” against Uber.

The union said it has established alliances with other groups in opposition to the service in Colombia, Panama, and Mexico with the singular goal of keeping the service out of Costa Rica.

Late last month, some one hundred taxi drivers gathered outside the Colombian embassy in San Jose to express their solidarity with taxi drivers in Colombia, who were protesting in Bogota.

Opposition to San Francisco-based Uber has been strong in other parts of the world, including other Latin America countries where strikes and demonstrations have ensued.