A new regulation from Puerto Rico's Public Service Commission (PSC) allows transportation network companies (TNC), like UBER, to operate all around the island just like taxi companies operate.

'The new regulation puts taxi drivers and UBER drivers on equal terms, requiring the same documentation and the same operating cost. We do this for the benefit of our population and to promote fair competition among the various existing transportation services,' said the PSC's president, Luis D. Garcia.

The regulation allows provisional permissions and also regulates car rentals. It also simplifies authorization renovations and eliminates tourist regions identifying Puerto Rico as a sole tourist destiny.

Notwithstanding, this regulation also prohibits companies like UBER from leaving passengers in certain areas -such as El Yunque Rainforest- due to access to telecommunications systems and their possible lack of availability in remote locations.

According to the new rules, now TNC drivers most inform passengers the total cost of their trip in advance and they will not be able to modify it afterwards, unless is due to consumer's negligence. Also, the client can cancel the trip without charges if the expected arrival of a driver was delayed for more than five minutes.

For the taxi companies, it unifies the tariffs measured throughout Puerto Rico and establishes new fixed rates, incorporating the fuel adjustment.

On another hand, it prohibits the transport of patients on units unapproved as an ambulance by the Department of Health, guarantees that school transportation is provided in appropriate units for the security of students, requires a certification from a professional engineer for units approved as 'Party Bus' and converts luxury transportation in limousine franchises.