Live GPS tracking has become a standard feature, allowing parents to follow their child’s journey in real time
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SANDEEP SAXENA
As urban mobility evolves, companies recognise the need for dedicated transportation solutions for young passengers. With busy schedules and safety concerns, parents are seeking reliable services that cater specifically to them.
This has led to the emergence of mobility solutions designed by players like MetroRide and Uber to provide children and teenagers with safe, supervised, and technology-driven transportation options.
“Parents are looking for alternatives to school buses and carpooling, preferring tech-enabled services that offer direct oversight and accountability,” said Girish Nagpal, CEO and co-Founder, MetroRide.
Uber has launched ‘Uber for Teens’ – a product designed to provide safe, reliable and convenient transportation solutions tailored explicitly for teenagers aged between 13 and 17 years. The service has been launched across 37 cities in the country, including Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar.
Safety, parental supervision
Companies are implementing a range of measures to provide parents with real-time oversight and control over their children’s commute.
Live GPS tracking has become a standard feature, allowing parents to follow their child’s journey in real time. Some services go a step further, integrating live in-vehicle video feeds that provide additional reassurance. Automated notifications at pick-up and drop-off points ensure guardians remain updated on their child’s whereabouts.
“Geo-fencing technology ensures that children are only picked up and dropped off at pre-approved locations. We employ facial recognition and OTP-based ride confirmations to enhance the security of our young passengers,” added Girish.
MetroRide also has an in-app panic button which immediately notifies parents and customer support in case of an emergency, ensuring quick response times, he added.
Speaking about the latest offering, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia said, “We recognise the unique transportation challenges faced by teenagers and their families in India. With ‘Uber for Teens’, we are committed to addressing these challenges by providing a service that parents can trust, and that teens will find easy and cool to use.”
Published on April 2, 2025