Para ordenar a la Comisión de Transportación e Infraestructura de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico realizar una investigación exhaustiva en torno a las condiciones estructurales y laborales en que los transportistas, excursionistas y taxistas ejercen sus funciones en la zona turística del área metropolitana; investigar la aplicación a estos de leyes, reglamentos, reglas, ordenanzas municipales y órdenes administrativas que impacten sus labores en el turismo puertorriqueño. Así como investigar la regulación de los llamados “stands” de espera para transportistas; los cobros de tarifas en el Viejo San Juan y en el Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Muñoz Marín; la limitación de accesos a facilidades sanitarias en las áreas donde les ubican y todo lo relacionado al impacto de estos en el turismo de la zona; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

House committee must investigate labor conditions, regulatory compliance, tariff practices, and facility access for tourism-zone transporters in San Juan and the airport area.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill RC 563 orders Puerto Rico's House Transportation and Infrastructure Commission to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the structural and labor conditions of transporters, tour operators, and taxi drivers working in the metropolitan tourism zone. The investigation will examine how existing laws, regulations, municipal ordinances, and administrative orders affect these workers, with specific focus on waiting stands ("stands" de espera), tariff collection practices in Old San Juan and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, and access to sanitary facilities.

Why is this important

Tourism is a critical economic sector for Puerto Rico, and transportation services are essential infrastructure supporting it. The investigation addresses potential regulatory inconsistencies and worker conditions that could affect both service quality for tourists and livelihood conditions for transportation workers, ultimately impacting the competitiveness and sustainability of Puerto Rico's tourism industry.

Potential points of contention

Regulatory clarity vs. business flexibility: Investigation may reveal overlapping or conflicting regulations that burden operators, but stakeholders may disagree on whether the solution is deregulation or better enforcement

Tariff regulation: Old San Juan and airport tariff practices have been historically contentious; findings could pressure for price controls that some argue would harm driver earnings while others claim protects tourists

Municipal vs. legislative authority: The investigation touches municipal ordinances, creating potential jurisdictional tensions between local governments and the central legislature over who controls transportation regulation