Uber introduces teen accounts, Phoenix among trial cities
Mar 24, 2017, 6:32 PM
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
PHOENIX — For the first time, Uber is allowing teens as young as 13 to use the car service under a “family account” in select cities.
Phoenix is one of just three cities in which Uber is currently offering the new feature. Normally, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to hail a ride. But now, the popular phone app gives parents or guardians the option to add children over age 13 to their account.
The company’s webpage on the matter states that teens who wish to take solo rides must be invited to join the family account by an adult, then download the app themselves on their own mobile phone.
Once a ride has been called, the company says parents can follow the ride on a live map and get updates during the trip.
Teens can order rides on their own and have the trips billed to the account. Parents can also view photos, ratings and contact information for the teens’ drivers.
“To be allowed to give rides to teens, drivers must have completed a minimum number of trips on Uber and received consistently high ratings from our community of riders,” Uber’s website reads. “Additionally, before a person is allowed to drive with Uber, he or she must pass a screening process that includes a driving and criminal history check.”
Seattle, Wash. and Columbus, Ohio round out the trio of cities with this program.