An innovative feature was launched in Rosebank to keep teens safe while using e-hailing apps.
The event at Rosebank Fun Company filled with the essence of local flair, featured activities including bowling, bumper cars, and delicious cuisine, showcasing the spirit of community and excitement.
Teen Accounts by Uber addresses the growing need for safe and reliable transportation for teenagers. Parents and guardians can now seamlessly manage their teens’ transportation needs while ensuring their safety and security every step of the way.
Kagiso Khaole, general manager of Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasised the importance of this new feature for families in South Africa. “Teen Accounts are built with transparency in mind so that there are no surprises for parents, teens, or drivers,” Khaole said. “We’re thrilled to offer this innovative feature to families in South Africa, providing peace of mind for parents while giving teens the freedom to travel comfortably and safely.”
At the heart of teen accounts is PIN Verification, ensuring that teens are matched with the correct driver and vehicle for their trip. Only highly rated and experienced drivers who have passed local screening and background checks can accept trip requests from teen account holders.
Live Trip Tracking provides real-time updates to parents or guardians, allowing them to monitor their teens’ journey from start to finish. They can also contact the driver directly if needed, ensuring constant communication throughout the trip. Furthermore, Uber’s Ride Check feature utilises sensors and GPS to detect any deviations from the planned route or unexpected stops, providing an added layer of security.
In the unlikely event of an incident, the audio recording feature allows users to record audio of their trip directly through the app, ensuring additional reassurance to both parents and teens.
Khaole reiterated their commitment to safety, stating, “From the moment a ride is requested until the completion of the trip, safety is not just a feature of our service but rather key to our mission to deliver the best transportation experience and sits at the forefront of everything we do.”
With the partnership between Uber and Rosebank Fun Company, Teen Accounts revolutionised the ride-hailing experience, prioritising safety and security while granting teens the freedom and independence to travel confidently.
