Mobility applications have officially transitioned from optional conveniences to everyday essentials for the vast majority of Costa Ricans. According to a recent urban mobility study conducted by survey firm CID Gallup, eight out of ten citizens have used rideshare and mobility platforms, praising their impact on daily life and urban transportation.

The study highlights a strong public consensus: 80% of Costa Ricans actively use mobility applications, with nine out of ten respondents stating that these services directly improve their family’s quality of life. Furthermore, 60% believe the platforms contribute significantly to improving overall national transit and urban mobility.

High Public Approval and Economic Impact

Perception of major platforms remains overwhelmingly positive. CID Gallup reports that 82% of respondents hold a favorable view of Uber. Beyond convenience, the survey highlights the economic footprint of the gig economy: 70% of participants personally know someone who earns income through mobility platforms.

“The most convincing piece of data from the study is that 80% of Costa Ricans use or have used platforms at some point. It is very powerful data because we understand the reach and economic impact that platforms have in the country.”

— Laura Santillán, General Manager of Uber for Costa Rica, Panama, and the Caribbean

Santillán noted that users particularly value core platform features, including upfront pricing transparency, driver identification, and in-app safety tools throughout their journey.

Digitalization: A Lifeline for Traditional Taxis?

The study also examined public opinion regarding Costa Rica’s traditional red taxis (taxis rojos). While 30% of respondents reported using traditional taxis over the past year—primarily hailing them at street stands or hospitals—there is a massive appetite for digital modernization.

Key findings regarding taxi digitalization include:

• 90% of respondents would use traditional taxis if they could book them via a digital app.
• 60% of citizens identify final price uncertainty as the primary drawback of traditional taxi services.
• 40% believe taxi service quality would immediately improve with app integration.

In response, Uber reaffirmed its strategy to integrate traditional taxis into its platform, giving consumers more choices while providing traditional drivers with access to a broader customer base.

Debating Bill 23,736: Users Demand a Voice

The research comes at a pivotal moment as the Legislative Assembly debates Bill 23,736, which aims to formalize and regulate paid passenger transportation services via digital platforms across Costa Rica.

Citizens listed their top expectations for upcoming regulation: stricter safety measures, absolute price transparency, and clear driver verification.

Uber Warns Against Higher Fares and Airport Restrictions

While supporting regulation in principle, Uber raised serious concerns regarding specific clauses within the current draft of Bill 23,736:

1. Minimum Gross Profitability per Kilometer: Uber warns that mandating fixed minimum profitability rates could drive up trip prices for riders while reducing overall earnings for driver-partners due to decreased demand.
2. Airport Restrictions: Provisions restricting platform operations at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) could restrict consumer choice and harm Costa Rica’s tourism sector.

Uber confirmed it has met with government officials, lawmakers, and the Chamber of Commerce to present alternative proposals. The company urges parliamentarians to include consumers and drivers in open dialogues to ensure the final law delivers safety, transparency, and competitive pricing for all Costarricenses.

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