Uber Sets Sights On Turbulent Puerto Rico Market

Uber is launching in a seemingly unlikely place, popping up in the United States territory of Puerto Rico.

As multiple reports noted, Puerto Rico is absolutely mired in economic woe as its recession continues and its debt rises to the $70 billion mark.  

It’s perhaps that exact promise of steady income that has so many flocking to the app.

The Associated Pressreported thousands have already signed up to be drivers for the popular Uber service.

The report noted that local taxi drives have taken umbrage with the news, as the assumption is Uber trumps cab service in the area over time.

And the ride-sharing behemoth certainly enters the fray with the means, as it’s already offering free rides on Monday, via the AP. It’s that kind of expensive move that affords the likes of Uber instant success in a market like Puerto Rico.

And as TravelPulse’s Brian Major reported back in March, Puerto Rico, despite its economic turmoil, remains a tourist hotspot.

According to that report, Puerto Rico Tourism Co. (PRTC) is optimistic that 2016 will be the year that 10 million tourists visit the area.

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Even if Puerto Rico falls short, there are still more than enough tourists to make Uber a success in the area.

Obviously, there has to be some concern for those possibly displaced by a technology giant disrupting the market.

Unlike other cities and nations around the world, Puerto Rico will be forced to maneuver the marketplace amid a very real and troubling economic landscape.

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY | GABE ZALDIVAR 
Uber Sets Sights On Turbulent Puerto Rico Market