Uber has officially launched its Uber for Teens service in India, allowing teenagers aged 13 to 17 to book rides independently. The pilot program is currently available in Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai, with plans to expand to 35 cities in the coming weeks, including Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune.
Key Features of Uber for Teens
- Parental Control & Safety: Parents or guardians can create and manage teen accounts under their family profile.
- Live Trip Tracking: Real-time monitoring ensures safety and transparency.
- Opt-in Audio Recording: An added layer of security for parents’ peace of mind.
- Monthly Ride Limits: Guardians can set ride restrictions to control usage.
- Flexible Payment Options: Parents must add a credit or debit card to invite a teen to the service, but rides can be paid using any method, including cash.
Teens Can Travel with Friends
Uber also allows teenagers to bring fellow riders (aged 13-17) along on their trips. However, the exact consent mechanism for this feature is yet to be clarified.
Stronger Background Checks for Drivers
To enhance safety, Uber has introduced additional background verification for drivers handling teen accounts.
Uber Expands in India Amid Competition
This launch comes two years after Uber for Teens debuted in the U.S. and Canada. Currently available in 50 countries, the service is part of Uber’s expansion strategy to compete with Indian ride-hailing services like Ola, Rapido, Namma Yatri, and BluSmart.
In recent months, Uber has introduced several India-specific features, including concurrent rides, prepaid item pickups, and flexible pricing. The company also recently removed commissions on auto-rickshaw bookings, replacing them with a daily subscription model.
Uber for Teens marks a new era in safe and independent travel for teenagers in India, ensuring both convenience and parental supervision.
