News

Puerto Rico Tourism Officials: Uber Operating Without Approval

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - July 12, 2016

Following Uber’s high-profile launch in to the Puerto Rican market on Monday, the island’s tourism officials said the company was not approved to offer service.

“A regulation for the online transportation network industry has not been approved. Until a regulation is duly approved and a license is issued under such regulations, an online transportation network cannot offer service in the island,” Puerto Rico Tourism Company Executive Director Ingrid Rivera Rocafort said in a statement to Caribbean Journal. “As of today, the only transportation services with permits in the tourist zones are Tourist Taxis and endorsed tourist transportation.”

The statement came after Uber had reportedly signed up thousands of drivers in Puerto Rico, which is suffering from a crippling debt crisis.

Puerto Rico’s taxi service has long been criticized by tourists, both for high prices and difficulty in hailing taxis outside of taxi stations in areas like the airport and Old San Juan.

The situation is not new for Uber, which has often met opposition upon its entry in to many markets, largely from taxi sectors.

Uber currently operates in 482 cities around the world.

Popular Posts all-inclusive montego bay resort by marriott

Marriott Just Opened Its New All-Inclusive Resort in Montego Bay 

Marriott has continued its rapid expansion into the Caribbean all-inclusive space with the debut of its newest adults-only resort in Montego Bay: the new Hideaway at Royalton Blue Waters, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort.  The 352-room resort is part of […]


Yes, You Can Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort in St Thomas, USVI

the beach at the bolongo bay resort

The Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas may be the most popular all-inclusive resort you’ve never heard of. It’s not that the resort itself isn’t well-known: this family-run and managed, beach resort has been in business since 1974. But […]


A New Way to Fly Nonstop to the Turks and Caicos Islands

beach at the palms in providenciales

While Silver Airways has been steadily expanding its network in the Caribbean out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, it’s easy to forget that the carrier is actually based in South Florida.  For years, Silver has been operating a host of […]


Related Posts curtain bluff antigua

Antigua and Barbuda’s Big US Tourism Push

Antigua and Barbuda has kicked off a major push to increase tourism to the destination from the United States market.  The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has embarked on a promotional tour to engage with travel professionals in more than […]


Following Hunter S. Thompson in Puerto Rico

el patio de sam

You won’t find much fear and loathing these days in Old San Juan, but there are places where you can still get a taste of the city where “gonzo journalist” and author Hunter S. Thompson decamped in his early 20s […]


St Kitts Tourism Set for Sizzling Fall Season 

st kitts cockleshell beach

While many destinations in the Caribbean tend to cool down in the autumn, one Caribbean island is set for an energy-filled season.  St Kitts, fresh off a thriving summer, is readying for a big fourth quarter — one that will […]


SUBSCRIBE!

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.


No. Thank You