The speculations are true. Lyft has launched its version of the teen feature of other ridesharing apps.
In a world where the need for safe rides for teenagers, such as to and from school, is highlighted, and, at the same time, the need to keep them safe, this only gives more reasons for ridesharing companies like Lyft to think of these features.
So, Lyft Teen has finally launched.
Lyft Teen provides teenagers ages 13 to 17 the ability to request rides using their smartphones, but their parents remain in control and on top of things, ensuring their safety throughout. Read on for the features.
It’s not an add-on
Just as teenagers are never add-ons to the family, Lyft Teen is beyond being an add-on. Teen rides with Lyft with drivers who meet the highest standards on the app – yearly background checks, proven safe driving records, positive passenger feedback, and experience on the road – get access to PIN verification by default, Smart Trip Check-In for unusual route changes, audio recording with mic access, and live tracking for parents. Way better than teenagers who lose or mishandle the car keys of their parents’ cars.
Parents stay on top of everything
Also the main idea behind Lyft Teen is that parents stay on top of things. Only verified Lyft accounts can create teen profiles, and parents get access to these details: driver details – name, picture, car, license plate, and rating – text notifications – driver assigned, picked up, and dropped off – live ride map and real-time status, direct driver contact if needed, and complete payment visibility. This way, safety is guaranteed.
Plus, parents may also request rides for their teenagers or allow them to request their own. Either way, full visibility is maintained. No surprises, knowing that safety is in every angle.
Pay only for the ride
Lyft Teen offers economics that make sense. That means paying only for the ride. No car payment or insurance premium. Total cost visibility.
This is way better that needing to pay over $2,000 per year in additional insurance, which is equivalent to around 100 Lyft rides, assuming that each is $20 per ride. Or, a used car at approximately $25,000, with gas, maintenance, and repairs.
“For many families, Lyft Teen isn’t just more convenient,” Lyft told Ridesharing Forum. “It’s the only option that works.”
Lyft Teen is a model for today’s generation.
“We’re serving a generation that’s growing up with rideshare as the default,” stated Lyft, comparing to how teens today grow up in the presence of social networking sites. “For today’s 13-year-olds, summoning a car is as intuitive as sending a text. Independence doesn’t mean getting a driver’s license. Mobility isn’t the future – it’s how teens already think.”
The CEO of Lyft, David Risher, remembers the time when he used to send his kids to school with this new feature.
“… Teens will always want independence. Parents will always want them [to be safe. And families] will always need affordable transportation that works for their lives,” Risher told Ridesharing Forum. “When my kids were in high school, I lived with this problem. The endless shuttling. The logistics puzzle of who needs to be where, when. I watched other parents turn down opportunities because they couldn’t make the schedule work. That’s why we built Lyft Teen – a reliable, affordable way for parents and teens to live their best lives, with safety prioritized every step of the way.”
More than 200 cities will see Lyft Teen live, including New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., and Miami. More cities are joining throughout this year.