DALLAS — Just over 5,000 of you clicked on this story about teens not being allowed to take Lyft and Uber, so we decided to look at a few options teens *are able* to take if they need to get around this summer.
Here's some that we found here in North Texas:
GoKid isn't necessarily the same as an Uber or Lyft app, but it helps parents organize carpools with families you already know.
The app plans the best route to pick up and drop off each child and has a feature that reminds the parent when it's their turn to drive or when to send your kiddo out to get picked up!
It's free, but upgrades available in the app allow you to access live ride tracking and more for $5 a month, or $50 for a year.
Another option? HopSkipDrive.
This one works more like your typical rideshare, but with highly-vetted drivers and a multi-factor authentication system to ensure pick-up of the right child.
The platform also has a system that monitors each ride in real time, staffed with 911 operators, EMTs, childcare specialists and parents.
Similarly, Alto is another one that launched in North Texas in 2018.
You have to be 18 or older to have an account, but you can request a ride for unaccompanied minor children ages 13 to 17 anyone younger needs an adult chaperone.
Here's the cool thing about Alto:
The drivers are W-2 employees who have been background-checked twice and are always monitored on the road.
Even their pay tied is to their "safety score"!
So there are some options as you plan for the summer.
Look into those instead of trying to get your child or teen in an Uber or Lyft...it's not allowed, is unsafe for them, and it puts drivers in an uncomfortable situation.
As always, if you have a traffic concern in your area, you can email us here.