Uber is making it easier for teenagers to book rides alone. The company announced several updates at an event yesterday, and many have families in mind.
The key new options from Uber include:
- The ability to reserve a ride with a car seat - Families and caregivers in New York City and Los Angeles will be able to request a ride with a car seat for kids up to 65 pounds. It’s part of Uber’s partnership with car seat company Nuna and they plan to expand the feature to more cities in the future.
- You can call for a ride without using the Uber app - They’ve introduced a phone number people can call to book rides without using the app. Uber says this will help those who struggle with navigating smartphones or apps. In the U.S. you call 1-833-USE-UBER, or 1-833-873-8237 to request a ride by speaking English or Spanish.
- Family profiles and teen accounts - Starting May 22nd, teens between 13 and 17 will be able to request their own rides and deliveries. Consenting parents and guardians will be able to fully manage their teens’ accounts through a “family profile” in the Uber app. It allows multiple accounts to be linked to one payment method and parents will be able to monitor teens’ trips and deliveries in real time. Uber says only “highly rated” and experienced drivers will be able to give rides to teens.
- Group grocery orders - Family members, friends or roommates can build group grocery orders using Uber Eats. Users can invite them to add items, set recurring orders and merchants can even automatically split the bill to make it easier.
Source: CNBC
Scott's Thoughts:
- Many parents don't want their 13-year-old to know about this option just as summer break is about to start!
- My kids are older now but I am not sure I would be comfortable with my then 13 year old taking an Uber alone.
- School lunch is expensive enough. Now ordering food on Uber?