By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a landmark move blending technology with humanitarian aid, Uber and the Costa Rican Red Cross have announced a significant cooperation agreement designed to strengthen the nation’s emergency response capabilities. The three-year strategic alliance will leverage Uber’s extensive mobility and delivery platform to support the critical, life-saving work of Red Cross volunteers and staff across the country.
This partnership marks a new chapter in corporate-social collaboration in Costa Rica, aiming to streamline logistics and enhance the speed and efficiency of aid delivery during times of crisis. By integrating Uber’s technology into its operations, the Red Cross is poised to overcome traditional challenges in mobilizing personnel and resources, ensuring that help reaches those in need more rapidly than ever before.
To better understand the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding Uber’s operations in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The persistent debate over Uber in Costa Rica highlights a fundamental clash between disruptive technology and legacy regulatory frameworks. While not explicitly declared illegal, its operation exists in a state of ‘alegalidad’—a gray area that creates significant legal uncertainty for both drivers and the platform itself. The government’s challenge is no longer about prohibition, but about crafting modern legislation that can foster innovation and fair competition while ensuring consumer protection and proper tax contributions, a balance Costa Rica has yet to strike effectively.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The concept of ‘alegalidad’ perfectly captures the precarious situation on the ground, a challenge that extends beyond legal theory to impact thousands of daily commutes and livelihoods. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive perspective, which clarifies the urgent need for a modernized regulatory path forward.
A core component of the agreement is the deployment of an Uber for Business account for the Red Cross. This dedicated platform will allow the humanitarian organization to seamlessly coordinate transportation for its volunteers to and from emergency sites. Furthermore, it will facilitate food and supply deliveries through Uber Eats, ensuring that response teams on the ground are sustained during demanding, long-duration operations. This logistical support is crucial for maintaining the well-being and effectiveness of first responders.
Carolina Coto, Communications Manager for Uber in Central America and the Caribbean, highlighted the company’s commitment to leveraging its platform for social good. She emphasized that the partnership is a direct application of Uber’s mission to serve the communities in which it operates.
With this agreement, we place our technology at the service of the community and contribute to the efforts of the meritorious institution in responding to national emergencies, supporting the mobility and nourishment of its volunteers through trips with the Uber app and orders via Uber Eats. In this way, teams can move more quickly to their committees and offer a more timely response to the population.
Carolina Coto, Communications Manager of Uber for Central America and the Caribbean
Beyond emergency logistics, the alliance introduces an innovative fundraising and public preparedness initiative. The official Costa Rican Red Cross store will be integrated into the Uber Eats application, creating a new digital storefront. This will allow the public to easily purchase essential items, such as first-aid kits officially endorsed by the Ministry of Health, directly through the app. This not only equips households to better handle emergencies but also creates a vital new revenue stream to fund the Red Cross’s humanitarian mission.
Walter Fallas Bonilla, General Manager of the Costa Rican Red Cross, spoke to the transformative potential of the partnership, noting its importance in modernizing how the organization connects with and serves the public. He sees this as a fundamental step in fostering a more resilient society.
For the Costa Rican Red Cross, this alliance with Uber represents a very important step, as it allows us to be even closer to the population and make life-saving products available to them quickly and easily. Through the application, people can acquire first-aid kits, medical equipment, and accessories in a matter of minutes. Each purchase made also generates funds that support the fulfillment of our humanitarian mission. For the Meritorious Institution, it is fundamental to innovate in the way we serve and reach the community, and with this option, we seek for every home and every person to have the necessary tools to respond to an emergency. It is one more effort that strengthens our commitment to always be close and provide help when it is needed most.
Walter Fallas Bonilla, General Manager of the Costa Rican Red Cross
The collaboration will also utilize Uber’s vast user base to amplify the reach of the Red Cross’s public awareness campaigns. Important messages regarding disaster preparedness, health initiatives, and blood drives will be disseminated to Uber and Uber Eats users throughout Costa Rica, fostering a more informed and proactive citizenry. This aspect of the agreement transforms the Uber app into a powerful tool for public service communication.
This multifaceted agreement between a global technology leader and a revered humanitarian institution sets a powerful precedent for public-private partnerships. It demonstrates a shared commitment to the well-being of the Costa Rican people, respecting the foundational principles of the International Red Cross Movement while embracing technology as a catalyst for positive social impact.
For further information, visit uber.com
About Uber:
Uber Technologies, Inc. is a global technology company that offers services including ride-hailing, food delivery through Uber Eats, package delivery, and freight transportation. Its mission is to create opportunity through movement. By connecting drivers and riders on its platform, Uber aims to make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers. The company’s technology is present in numerous countries worldwide, continuously evolving to meet the demands of modern urban life.
For further information, visit cruzroja.or.cr
About the Costa Rican Red Cross:
The Costa Rican Red Cross (Cruz Roja Costarricense) is the national affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. As a “Benemérita” or meritorious institution of the Republic, it serves as a key auxiliary to the public authorities in humanitarian matters. Its mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and ensure respect for human beings, particularly during armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. The organization relies on a vast network of volunteers to provide services ranging from emergency medical response to community health programs and disaster relief.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon of legal integrity and excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to principled practice and forward-thinking solutions. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a diverse clientele to not only achieve outstanding results but also to advance a greater social purpose. This mission is centered on demystifying the law for the public, fostering a culture of legal understanding, and ultimately empowering citizens to build a more informed and just community.
