Understanding the unique needs of younger users aged 13 to 17, Uber has unveiled a new service specifically designed for teenagers titled "Uber for Teens," now available in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Jordan. This service aims to enhance the mobility of families and provide parents and guardians with peace of mind.

Bridging the Gap in Youth Transportation

Uber's latest initiative addresses a significant market gap by offering safe and reliable transportation solutions for teenagers. Acknowledging parents' concerns about their children's travel options, Uber has developed a system allowing teens to have their own Uber accounts linked to their family profile. This feature not only fosters independence among teenagers but also keeps parents fully informed and in control.

Yousef Abu Safieh, General Manager of Uber Saudi Arabia, emphasizes the transparency of the "Uber for Teens" service, stating it is designed to be completely transparent to avoid any surprises for parents, teens, and drivers alike.

How Does "Uber for Teens" Work?

Parents and guardians can invite family members to create their own Uber accounts through the family profile on the Uber app. Upon accepting the invitation, teens receive a link to download the app, set up their accounts, and complete necessary security settings during registration. Once their accounts are activated, these young users can independently request rides under their guardians' supervision.

Real-time tracking ensures guardians can monitor the trip details from start to finish. The journey can be followed directly on the app, providing continuous updates on the driver's identity, car details, and the route taken.

Enhanced Safety Features

The "Uber for Teens" service is equipped with several advanced safety features, including live trip tracking, where guardians can monitor trips in real-time and receive updates about the driver, vehicle information, and destination.

Also, a personal identification number (PIN) verification feature requires the young passenger to provide a unique PIN to the driver, who cannot start the trip until the correct PIN is entered into their app.

Using sensor technology and GPS data, Uber can detect if a trip deviates from its intended route or stops unexpectedly. The app will then check on both the rider and the driver to ensure their safety.

Additionally, a voice recording feature allows trips to be recorded for extra security. These recordings are encrypted and securely stored, accessible only under strict conditions to ensure privacy.

Uber also offers a direct contact feature enabling guardians to communicate directly with the driver throughout the trip.

Uber stresses that only highly-rated drivers who undergo comprehensive background checks are eligible to accept ride requests from young users. Drivers also have the option to opt-out of receiving these requests at any time.

Uber's initiative is more than just a transportation solution; it's a step towards redefining parental peace of mind in the digital age. As this service expands, it is likely to set new standards for youth transportation worldwide.