The Potential Risks of Uber’s New Cross-Border Service to Mexico
Posted in General FAQ'S on June 7, 2016
In March, Uber launched its latest product offering, UberPASSPORT. The service is aiming to make border crossings between countries safe and easy. San Diego and Tijuana are serving as the program’s first rollout, since the cities are already considered connected economically and culturally.
How UberPASSPORT Works
To use the new service, users in the San Diego area can open their app and select the UberPASSPORT option when they access the vehicle menu. The program allows users to split the ride between up to 4 people and travel without changing vehicles when they pass the border. Currently, the program only works for travelers moving from the US to Mexico. Riders should remember to bring all relevant documentation (a passport, green card, or other valid form of documentation) to legally cross back into the US.
To return to the US, Uber users can choose UberENGLISH when reserving a US-bound ride. Use the TJ Border Pickup drop-off destination and the pedestrian lane to cross back over the border. Then, use your Uber app as normal to request a return trip to San Diego.
The Potential Reward of UberPASSPORT
With the launch of the product, Uber is attempting to streamline the concept of international travel. Logistics are a huge headache, especially for those who travel between two closely connected countries for work or vacation. If effective, this program will allow Uber’s large user base to easily plan and maintain their schedules for travel, and it will provide an added level of trust in transportation across different countries.
The Potential Risks of UberPASSPORT
While the idea of seamless travel between countries is nice, the concept may introduce certain risks. Here are just some of the problems that Uber, law enforcement, and citizens may face as this new service expands:
Mexico already has significant traffic congestion problems. The San Ysidro Port of Entry is a congested place for border crossings. Introducing an influx of new visitors to the Tijuana area and other close Mexican destinations could worsen the problem for everyone trying to gain entry into the United States. Since riders must change vehicles at the border, wait times between a states-side pickup may serve as a deterrent for using the service.
Mexico does not currently legislate rideshare programs such as Uber. Without clear legislation south of the border, American citizens cannot rely on the service with 100% certainty. While some areas are working on relevant legislation, these changes are currently up in the air.
Safety is a concern in some areas in Mexico. Violence against Uber drivers is a real concern in places such as Tijuana, where local cab drivers are eager to protect their trade. American citizens in the wrong place at the wrong time could face violent encounters.
Maintaining a crew of dedicated drivers may be difficult. American Uber drivers who cross the border must cross back before picking up other patrons. This could eat into profitability and reduce the number of drivers interested in providing UberPASSPORT services.
The service represents a risk for criminal activities. Some users may see Uber’s new offering as a way to traffic illegal substances between countries. The potential for illegal substance trafficking may encourage law enforcement to take a more heavy-handed approach when requesting data from the company—an act that may jeopardize customer privacy when they use the service.
One of the largest risks of using this new program is the amount of uncertainty involved. This is a brand new transportation model that has never been used before. As a result, new risks and benefits may arise as users test out the model and start to rely on it more often.
Contact the Law Offices of Graham Donath, APC if you have any legal questions regarding a cross border trip with Uber or to learn more about protecting your rights during international travel.
