Uber Teen accounts have launched in SA

Uber, the American multinational transportation company that provides ride-hailing services around the world, has announced the rollout of Uber Teen accounts across South Africa.

This will enable youths aged 13 to 17 to hail rides, with added safety and security measures, writes Engineering News.

The solution is linked to parents’ and guardians’ Uber profiles so that guardians can monitor every stage of the trip.

STRINGENT SCREENING AND BACKGROUND CHECKS

Uber sub-Saharan Africa GM Kagiso Khaole made the announcement on Thursday at Uber’s head offices in Sandton.

Safety measures on this new service will include automated audio recording, trip tracking, location-based security response, and AI systems that can detect route deviations and prolonged stops, he said.

Only top-rated, experienced drivers who have undergone local screening and background checks can take trip requests from teen account holders.

Guardians will also be able to contact drivers at any point during the trip, while teen riders cannot alter the destination once the trip has begun, it was announced.

“Uber Teen accounts are built with transparency in mind so that there are no surprises for parents, teens or drivers,” Khoale said.

“Parents will receive real-time notifications and can follow along with live-trip tracking every step of the way.”

Khoale said Uber’s commitment is to help keep teens safe and get families moving, and thereby enhancing the safety of all users.

UBER TEEN UNIQUE PIN

To further bolster safety, teens must provide drivers with a unique personal identification number, or pin, before starting a trip. This will also ensure that teens get into the right car with the right driver.

In addition to live-trip tracking, the service also uses RideCheck. This feature uses sensors and GPS data to monitor rides and detect any unusual activity – such as rides going off course, stopping unexpectedly or ending early.

Encrypted audio recordings can be done through the app and will only be accessed if there is an incident.

Pricing remains consistent with adult rides, Khoale said, and spending limits can be set for Uber Teen accounts.

Uber has also been piloting enhanced rider verification to improve safety for both drivers and riders, without affecting earnings.

“Safety is a big pain point for drivers and one of the things that is top of mind for them,” Khoale added.

While the solution is bespoke to South Africa, Uber says that local innovations are exported to the rest of the world and that there is already interest from Latin America.

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