Uber has implemented a new feature allowing teens between 13 to 17 to ride in their vehicles alone through a family account.
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The option will be available to parents starting on March 22, and the service is expected to be launched in more than a dozen cities in the United States and Canada. Before the decision, minors were not allowed to ride alone in the company’s cars as it goes against their terms of service, but this didn’t stop them from using their parent’s accounts or creating their own. However, Uber’s latest feature will also introduce other mandatory options for underage riders, as reported by Washington Post.
Some of these features include making an encrypted audio recording of the ride, a PIN to provide to the driver before the ride, and emergency options if something goes wrong. Additionally, parents can call the driver directly during the ride.
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Only certain drivers with high ratings and driving experience will be allowed to pick up minors, but there will be no additional background checks or training. The program has been tested secretly for three months, and the cities listed include New York, Pheonix, Atlanta, Bloomington, Minneapolis, and Houston.
What was Uber’s previous policy regarding minors?
Uber’s policy on minor riders is that they cannot use the app to request rides unless accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. This policy is in place to help ensure the safety of both minors and drivers.
A parent or guardian could request an Uber for their child by creating an account and adding themselves as authorized rider. When you request a ride for your child, you will be prompted to enter their date of birth. This information will be used to verify that they are under 18.
There were various opinions about the new policy, as some parents were not comfortable allowing their child to ride a vehicle alone.
Is this a good idea? https://t.co/gODQ1oRvmb
— johncecilprice (@johncecilprice) May 17, 2023
https://t.co/j1OdmhjLXS pic.twitter.com/AnvceGfzwY
— Jasmine is with those who strike ✊🏾 (@thewonderladie) May 17, 2023
I don’t see the problem. If I’m a good driver, what’s the issue here? More demand is a good thing, esp if it now falls under the tos.
As long as Uber isn’t charging extra for these rides (extra liability?), and not passing it on to drivers..
— Harry Campbell 🇺🇸 (@TheRideshareGuy) May 17, 2023
Pros
– Minors tend to be quiet and stick to themselves in the car.
– They tend to not make extra stops.
– They tend to be relatively respectful (verbally, wide variance here.)Cons
– Added liability I imagine
– Can be destructive
– Don’t tip
– Possible fraud claims— Kollossol (@iamkollossol) May 17, 2023