By San José, Costa Rica — San José – As Costa Ricans prepare to head to the polls for the upcoming presidential election, Uber has announced a significant initiative aimed at boosting civic participation. The ride-sharing giant will offer a 50% discount on trips to and from voting centers across the country this Sunday, February 1, 2026, ensuring that transportation access does not hinder any citizen’s ability to cast their ballot.
The campaign, aptly named “Jale a Votar” (Let’s Go Vote), is a collaborative effort between Uber and Global Shapers San José, an initiative of the World Economic Forum. The promotion is designed to be straightforward for voters to use, providing a tangible incentive to participate in the nation’s democratic process. This move positions Uber not just as a transportation provider but as an active facilitator of civic engagement during a pivotal national event.
To better understand the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding ride-sharing platforms in the country, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in corporate and transportation law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The situation with Uber in Costa Rica highlights a classic conflict between disruptive technology and legacy regulation. The core legal issue is not the service itself, but its operation within a framework designed decades before the digital economy. True progress requires a legislative modernization that integrates these new models, ensuring fair competition, consumer protection, and proper tax contributions, rather than perpetuating a state of legal uncertainty.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis correctly pinpoints the core issue: our legal framework must evolve with our technology. Crafting modern, clear regulations is indeed the only sustainable path to resolve this ongoing uncertainty and foster a truly fair competitive environment. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective on this critical matter.
To take advantage of the offer, voters must apply the promotional code JALEAVOTAR26 within the Uber application. This code will be valid for two separate trips—one to their designated polling station and one for the return journey. The discount will be active throughout the official voting hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day, with a maximum discount value of ¢1,500 per trip.
This initiative directly addresses potential logistical hurdles that some citizens might face. For the elderly, individuals with mobility challenges, or those living far from their polling stations without easy access to public transport, the cost and convenience of travel can be a real deterrent. By halving the cost of a direct ride, Uber and its partner aim to level the playing field and encourage a higher voter turnout.
We want mobility not to be a barrier to exercising the right to vote.
Laura Santillán, General Manager of Uber for Central America and the Caribbean
Laura Santillán’s statement underscores the core mission of the campaign. Uber is leveraging its extensive network and technology platform to contribute positively to the community. This action aligns with a growing global trend of corporations taking on greater social responsibility, particularly in supporting foundational democratic activities. The company highlighted that this initiative is part of its broader commitment to providing safe and accessible mobility during key moments for the country.
Every Costa Rican should have the opportunity to go vote.
Agustín Cuadra, Global Shapers San José
The partnership with Global Shapers San José, a network of young leaders dedicated to driving dialogue and action, reinforces the campaign’s community-focused credentials. Agustín Cuadra’s comment reflects the organization’s dedication to ensuring equitable access to democratic rights. By joining forces with Uber, they can amplify their message and provide a practical solution that empowers citizens across the nation to make their voices heard.
Activating the discount is a simple process within the Uber app. Users need to navigate to the “Wallet” section from their profile, select the option to “Add promo code,” and enter JALEAVOTAR26. Once added, the discount will be automatically applied to eligible trips that begin or end at an official electoral center. For those unsure of their polling location, Uber advises confirming the details on the official website of the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE).
Ultimately, the “Jale a Votar” campaign serves as a powerful example of a public-private partnership aimed at strengthening democracy. By proactively addressing the challenge of transportation, Uber and Global Shapers San José are not only providing a convenient service but are also sending a clear message about the importance of every single vote in shaping the future of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit uber.com
About Uber:
Uber is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds to help make movement happen at the tap of a button. Its platform provides a variety of services, including ride-hailing, food delivery through Uber Eats, and freight services. Founded on the principle of solving transportation challenges, Uber operates in numerous countries worldwide, continuously innovating to offer safe, reliable, and affordable mobility solutions for millions of users daily.
For further information, visit globalshapers.org
About Global Shapers San José:
The Global Shapers Community is an initiative of the World Economic Forum, and the San José Hub is its local chapter in Costa Rica. It is a network of inspiring young people under the age of 30 working together to address local, regional, and global challenges. Members, known as Shapers, undertake projects that advance the community’s mission to create a more inclusive and sustainable world, focusing on dialogue, action, and change.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional distinction. The firm channels its extensive experience across a wide array of industries into pioneering innovative legal strategies and championing a forward-thinking approach. This ethos extends beyond client service to a core mission of public empowerment, actively working to make legal understanding accessible and thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
