Teenagers can now use Uber in Vancouver | 24CA News
The worldwide ride-sharing service that revolutionized fast transit is now out there for youngsters in Vancouver.
Uber introduced it has expanded providers to offer rides for youngsters if their accounts are linked with a guardian.
“With a teen account, they’ll have the freedom to request their own rides and you’ll be notified every time they do,” Uber mentioned on its web site.
“Plus, with live safety features and real-time updates, you can follow along from pickup to drop off.”
This will embody youths between the ages 13 and 17.
Always on the forefront of oldsters and guardians is teenager security.
Uber mentioned it has numerous security options and protocols in place for the security of its younger passengers.
To begin, like beforehand talked about, an account have to be paired with an grownup. An audio recording of the whole journey shall be computerized for each experience an adolescent takes.
Teenager passengers will at all times be matched with “highly rated and experienced drivers.” All drivers undergo quite a few background checks and are re-screened yearly, Uber mentioned.
All journeys are live-tracked and guardians can immediately contact authorities by the Uber app, if wanted. When youngsters are picked up by their designated drivers, a PIN verification code shall be requested to be supplied.
A Vancouver-based, worldwide teenager security program firm named Safeteen has some trepidations surrounding the brand new service.
Safeteen gives life expertise to youngsters on tips on how to navigate doubtlessly harmful conditions. It works with greater than 25,000 college students a 12 months within the Lower Mainland at elementary and secondary colleges.
Anita Roberts, Safeteen CEO and founder, mentioned that whereas Uber’s choice to permit rides for youngsters can have some constructive advantages, it may create dangers for teenagers as effectively.
“We are concerned for youth, as always. The thing is … the world isn’t safe,” Roberts mentioned.
“Predators are on the market. (And if a predator is a driver) the motive force now is aware of the place the kid lives, or goes to high school. … Just like on-line predators, they’re everywhere.
“You cannot keep this 100 per cent safe for kids. Uber is not doing this because they care about kid safety, they want to make money.”
Roberts mentioned it’s crucial for folks or guardians to take a seat down, have a dialog with their youngsters and discuss public security.
Safeteen urges youngsters to belief their instinct, look out for indicators that an individual could also be a predator, and at all times keep in touch with a dad or mum or guardian when taking transit.
Another wrinkle to anticipate for folks and guardians is that youngsters will inevitably use the service to get dwelling after an evening of underage ingesting. Roberts mentioned this is usually a good factor however it may additionally create dangers.
She mentioned it’s good that Uber is usually a secure experience dwelling, versus getting a experience with a drunk driver. But she mentioned it may additionally create a danger for youngsters as they are often left extra weak when they’re intoxicated.
Vancouver is the one metropolis in B.C. that’s providing {the teenager} Uber account service.
Global News has reached out to Uber for remark.
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