An Uber driver in Bogota. Wikimedia Common6

Uber, the personal transportation solution centered on the use of a mobile app, recently announced a new service in Costa Rica.

Despite its controversial illegal status, and despite being the recipient of a Presidential warning, Uber continues to operate and expand across Costa Rica. The new Uber feature is called uberXL, and it aims to attract passengers who enjoy traveling in groups. To this effect, uberXL features minivans and SUVs that can seat more people.

The uberXL service already operates in other cities abroad, such as Boston, San Francisco and Sydney.

Here is a translation of the press release sent by Uber Costa Rica about this matter:

At Uber Costa Rica, we love to make it easy for you to reach every corner of our country. Little by little, we are finding new ways to get you -and your loved ones- where you all want to go.

To this effect, we are very excited to announce that on Wednesday, February 24th, we launched uberXL! This new Uber mode of transportation lets you select a vehicle with greater passenger capacity. In these vehicles you will be able to travel with comfort and style, with your family and with your friends to your favorite spots, concerts, parties and all fun events planned in 2016. We invite you to travel with uberXL in search of new adventures!

uberXL Rates

• Base rate: ¢750
• Each kilometer: ¢450
• Each minute: ¢75
• Trip minimum: ¢1,500
• Cancellation fee: ¢ 1,500

We will also have fixed rates for the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, which will be published soon on our website.

Demand for uberXL can be very high at times, we thank you in advance for your patience. Remember that uberXL is here to take you where you want to go!