‘TEEN ACCOUNTS’: Uber releases new feature that allows 13-17 year olds to travel alone

Image credit: Uber

Uber have released a new feature in the U.S. that allows only ‘experienced and highly-rated’ drivers to transport teens without the presence of an adult.

Users of the Uber app can set up a family profile which allows them to link multiple Uber accounts together. The user can then pay for rides and deliveries from a centralised account, plus receive real-time location and order updates.

Uber’s teen accounts has been built for parents and caretakers of 13-17 year olds to save time and provide them with added peace of mind.

The feature helps parents and caretakers move teens under their supervision with features like:

• Screened and experienced drivers: Only experienced and highly-rated drivers will be eligible to complete trips with teens. Every driver has the ability to opt out.

• Safety features: Teen accounts with built-in, privacy-preserving safety features including Verify My Ride, RideCheck, and Audio Recording. Plus, live trip tracking lets a parent follow the trip’s progress so they know exactly where their teen is going and who is behind the wheel.

• Always-on support: Parents can contact the driver directly during a trip, contact Uber’s support team, or report an issue on behalf of their teen.

Teen accounts for rides will be available beginning on 22 May in select cities in the US and Canada. No date has been set for the UK and Europe.

Torine Creppy, Safe Kids Worldwide, said: "By providing parents with sate alternatives to help their teens get around, we hope this will help create more equitable solutions for families facing barriers to transportation."