The company also recently launched a new option in Tijuana to connect English-speaking riders with English-speaking UberX drivers, which should help ease the transition for Americans.

There is, at least, one potential downside to the program. If overly successful in boosting cross-border travel, Uber's Passport service could contribute to already lengthy northbound wait times, which have been on the rise despite the ongoing expansion of San Ysidro's Port of Entry.

Via @david_r_wagner

Presumably, more people entering Mexico will equate to more people returning to the U.S., where wait times range from a few minutes to several hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. General pedestrians and vehicles not approved for either the expedited Sentri or Ready Lane programs typically endure the longest delays.

"If we look at current patterns, these people are already going to Mexico," Ballard said. "We're just facilitating a way where it's easier."

jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1840 Twitter: @jbruin

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Translated by: edgar.martinez@sandiegored.com