Uber targets full Colombia coverage by 2026 in expansion push

Published: 2026-04-16 19:35:06 ET UBER

Published on 04/16/2026 at 07:35 pm EDT

Uber Technologies Inc. plans to extend its mobility services across all municipalities in Colombia before the end of 2026, aiming to move beyond major urban centres and reach nationwide coverage, El Espectador reported.

The company said its platform currently serves areas representing about 60% of the population, with expansion efforts now focused on the remaining 40%, particularly smaller cities and towns. The initiative follows more than 13 years of operations in Colombia, a market Uber ranks among its top 10 globally by usage.

To support the rollout, Uber has opened driver registrations nationwide and will deploy core services including Uber Taxi, Uber Economy and Uber Moto. The strategy hinges on scaling its driver base, which already exceeds 100,000 registered users, while extending income opportunities linked to the platform. Over time, about 800,000 families have benefited from earnings generated through the app, according to the company.

Colombia’s fragmented regulatory environment remains a key constraint. The absence of a unified legal framework governing ride-hailing services has created persistent tensions with traditional taxi operators and slowed efforts to formalise platform-based work.

From an economic perspective, nationwide coverage could deepen labour market participation by offering flexible income streams, particularly in smaller municipalities with limited employment opportunities. The expansion may also support tourism flows by providing accessible transport options for international visitors, aided by in-app translation features that reduce language barriers.

Uber said it will extend safety protocols across all regions, including identity verification tools, trip tracking and real-time ride sharing features. Customer support operations will be backed by its regional centre in Costa Rica.

“We will go from being an urban mobility app to being a national mobility platform,” said Ángela Mendoza, the company’s Andean region head, outlining the shift towards broader geographic reach.

Despite growing competition from platforms such as DiDi, InDriver and Picap, Uber’s expansion signals confidence in Colombia’s digital mobility sector, even as regulatory clarity remains pending.