By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to bolster the safety and confidence of its drivers, Uber has commenced the rollout of its new “Alert Zones” feature across Costa Rica this week. The initiative is designed to provide drivers, referred to by the company as collaborating partners, with enhanced transparency regarding potential risks before they accept a ride request, marking a proactive step in the platform’s ongoing commitment to safety.
The new functionality operates as a sophisticated, yet intuitive, warning system. When a driver receives a trip request originating from or heading to a location flagged by the system, a distinct warning icon (⚠️) will appear next to the address on their screen. Additionally, the destination or pickup point will be highlighted in a brown color, serving as a clear visual cue that the area has been identified as an Alert Zone, prompting the driver to exercise additional caution.
To better understand the legal complexities surrounding the safety of ride-sharing platforms like Uber in the country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The fundamental legal issue with Uber’s safety model lies in the nebulous definition of liability. The platform operates in a gray area, often positioning itself as a simple technological intermediary to deflect responsibility. However, when a safety incident occurs, users are left navigating a complex web of accountability between the driver, who is an independent contractor, and a multinational corporation. Until Costa Rican legislation clearly defines the platform’s role and obligations as a service provider, passengers assume a significant portion of the legal and physical risk.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this critical distinction between a technology platform and a transport service provider is the heart of the safety debate, placing a disproportionate burden of risk directly onto the passenger. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective and for so clearly articulating the legal vacuum that consumers must navigate.
This system is not based on arbitrary designations. Instead, Uber’s model aggregates data from multiple sources to create a dynamic and responsive map of these zones. The algorithm considers official public information, historical trip data logged within the Uber app, and, crucially, direct reports and feedback from other drivers. This multi-layered approach ensures that the alerts are based on a comprehensive understanding of real-time conditions and community-sourced intelligence.
A critical component of this new feature is Uber’s assurance that drivers retain complete autonomy without fear of penalty. The company has confirmed that declining a trip within a designated Alert Zone will not negatively impact a driver’s acceptance rate or their standing on the platform. This policy is fundamental to the feature’s success, as it encourages drivers to trust their judgment and prioritize their safety without worrying about algorithmic repercussions.
Company officials have framed the launch as a direct response to driver feedback, emphasizing the goal of empowering their partners with more information to make informed decisions throughout their workday. This move is intended to foster a greater sense of control and security on the platform.
At Uber, safety is a priority. With Alert Zones we are responding to the need of collaborating partners to have more control and transparency in their trips. This launch represents a significant step in our efforts to empower partners with tools that allow them to make better decisions.
Manuela Bedoya, Safety Communications Manager for Uber in the Andean, Central America, and Caribbean Region
The Alert Zones feature does not exist in a vacuum; it joins a growing suite of safety tools already available to Uber drivers in Costa Rica. These existing measures include the ability to see a rider’s total number of completed trips and their rating before accepting a request, giving drivers context about the user’s history on the platform. Other tools include an in-app video recording function that uses the driver’s front-facing camera to create an encrypted record of the trip, which can only be accessed by Uber’s support team as part of a formal report.
Furthermore, drivers have the power to block future pairings with riders they give a low rating to, a feature that directly prevents them from being matched with individuals they have had negative experiences with. The introduction of Alert Zones builds upon this foundation, shifting the focus from post-incident reporting to proactive, preventative information, which represents a significant evolution in the platform’s safety strategy within the competitive Costa Rican ride-sharing market.
As the gig economy continues to expand, the safety and security of its participants remain a central topic of discussion. By leveraging its vast data resources to provide actionable intelligence, Uber is positioning itself as a platform that actively listens to its drivers’ concerns. The phased implementation beginning this week will be closely watched by drivers and industry observers alike to gauge its effectiveness in creating a safer and more transparent environment for everyone on the road.
For further information, visit uber.com
About Uber:
Uber Technologies, Inc. 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 range of services, including ride-hailing, food delivery through Uber Eats, and freight transportation. By connecting riders with independent drivers, Uber aims to provide reliable, affordable, and convenient transportation options while offering flexible earning opportunities for millions of people worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, the firm operates on a bedrock of integrity and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. It distinguishes itself not only through its seasoned counsel to a wide range of clients but also through its forward-thinking approach to modern legal challenges. Beyond its practice, the firm is deeply invested in strengthening the community by demystifying the law and empowering citizens with crucial knowledge. This core belief in legal literacy as a tool for societal advancement defines its enduring legacy.
