…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Transportation services company, Uber, is expanding its rider base by launching a new service that enables teenagers to have their own profiles and experience trips on their own.
The program, called “Teen Rides,” allows 13 to 17-year-olds to operate their own Uber accounts after being added to a family profile by their parents.
After more than a year of piloting in the US and Canada, Uber is set to launch the service next week in 14 cities, including some in the United States.
Enhanced Safety Measures for Teen Rides
Uber’s new feature aims to provide parents with peace of mind by allowing them to track their teen’s trips in real-time and establish direct contact with drivers.
To ensure safety, the teen rides will incorporate additional measures, such as a PIN verification system and an audio recording option that can be activated by both passengers and drivers.
The encrypted audio files will be stored on the individual’s app and will only be accessible by Uber if the user opens an incident report.
The rides will be restricted to “highly rated, experienced drivers,” according to Uber.
Stringent Driver Screening and Background Checks
Uber emphasizes that all drivers on its platform are required to undergo a comprehensive background check, including driving records and a thorough criminal history report that covers offenses from the county to federal level.
Additionally, Uber conducts annual background checks on its drivers and receives alerts for updates regarding driving and criminal records.
Uber’s History with Unaccompanied Minors
Unaccompanied minors have been a point of contention for Uber in the past.
Although the platform technically requires users to be 18 or older, many teenagers have created their own accounts, often using Uber as a carpool alternative for transportation to after-school activities.
Despite these challenges, Uber’s new Teen Rides program aims to provide a safe and convenient option for teenagers to travel independently.