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VERIFY: Can Kids Ride Uber Alone?

Can children ride Uber alone?

VERIFY QUESTION

You just sent the children to work and settled down at your desk for your conference call. Your phone rings -- it's the school saying there's an early dismissal due to inclement weather.

You're really in a bind. No one you trust can get the kids, and you can't afford to leave work early. What do you do? Can you call a certified ride sharing service like Uber in a pinch?

That's a question Good Morning Show anchor Eric Chilton said he has heard his parent friends ask.

VERIFY SOURCE

To VERIFY, we read the terms and conditions on both Uber's and Lyft's websites. We also talked directly to an Uber spokesperson.

VERIFY PROCESS

The Uber spokesperson explained when you sign up for Uber, you agree to Uber's terms and community guidelines. The terms state you have to be at least 18 years old to create an account. And, you have to be 18 or older to ride alone. You also can lose access to your app if you call a ride for a minor and allow him or her to ride alone.

Uber's website tells drivers they should decline the ride if they think the person requesting it is under 18. And, they are allowed to ask a rider to show a driver's license or ID card for age confirmation.

Lyft has the same rules. Its website's terms state children 17 and younger can ride with an adult but not alone. And, kids have to have proper car seats that fit the legal requirements in that state and city. Parents must provide their own car seats.

VERIFY CONCLUSION

In conclusion, unaccompanied children cannot ride Uber or Lyft. So, parents must figure out another option if they're in a bind.

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