The busy schedules of parents and kids are a constant struggle for any family. Getting kids to their school and extracurricular activities can be a full-time job. So for those who aren’t able to put in that time because of their own work, there are a few small companies popping up around the country seeking to help with a sort of ‘Uber for kids,’ like Hop-Skip-Drive which is available in a limited number of markets in California and Colorado.
Both Uber and Lyft have policies preventing minors riding without an adult, a policy that is not always strictly followed by individual drivers but exists for good reason anyway. Though both companies run background checks, extra layers of security would be needed when dealing with children.
The safety issues here are obvious – kids are especially vulnerable. So the companies aimed toward transporting kids include a deeper level of background check and childcare experience. Some of the services even have webcams inside the cars so that you can make sure your child is safe on their ride.
The question is whether the extra safety measures will be enough for parents. Few people want to leave their child alone with a stranger if it’s at all possible to avoid, but perhaps being able to watch them as they go will be enough to calm fears.
It seems like the stakes would be very high for the companies involved, which would provide motivation to be intensely careful. All it would take is one troubling incident and the entire idea might become untenable.
