A driver leaves Harbor Island with Uber executives bound for lunch in Tijuana. Photo by Chris Jennewein
A driver leaves Harbor Island with Uber executives bound for lunch in Tijuana. Photo by Chris Jennewein

Uber will introduce its first-ever cross-border service Friday with rides between San Diego, Tijuana and other destinations in Baja California

UberPASSPORT was introduced in San Diego because the 6.5 million-population Cali-Baja region has the largest daily cross-border traffic in the world.

“We all know San Diego and Tijuana are part of one region,” said Chris Ballard, general manager for Southern California. “Today we’re trying to bring these cities closer together.”

Uber announced the new service at a press conference on Harbor Island that included Mayor Kevin Faulconer.

“People around the world are hearing about our cross-border relations with Tijuana,” Faulconer noted.

Sample fares are $90 from North Park to the Zona Centro in Tijuana, $100 from downtown San Diego to the Tijuana airport, and $160 from Pacific Beach to Rosarito on the coast. Fares can be split between up to four riders.

Uber drivers are insured for trips to Mexico, but passengers need to bring their passports or similar documents.

Following the announcement, Uber executives left in a black Chevrolet Tahoe for lunch at the iconic Caesar’s Restaurant & Bar in Tijuana.

Chris Jennewein is founder and senior editor of Times of San Diego.