To say the least, today’s families are busy. Packed schedules aren’t just a reality for parents. The kids have school, sports, and many other extracurricular activities. Getting everyone to the right place at the right time – above all, doing so safely – is a real challenge. You may have heard about ways technology is being employed as a problem-solver for helping get students from point A to point B using the ridesharing model.
You should also know that the most common ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, do not permit unaccompanied children as passengers under their terms of service. In addition, the driver background check standards of these services are not to the level recommended for anyone taking charge of minors. However, there are other apps that do specialize in the transportation of children, including some that are specifically marketed to schools.
"Getting everyone to the right place at the right time – above all, doing so safely – is a real challenge."
Child ridesharing services span a range of program designs:
- Peer-to-peer carpooling in which the app provides for scheduling and matching for parents to arrange among families in the community.
- On-demand ridesharing with professional drivers screened through a much more rigorous background screening and in-person interviews by the company.
- Companies that connect with schools and community organizations, which in turn communicate the availability of the transportation services to parents.
While one or more of these options can help alleviate some of the stress of transporting children for parents and schools, here are some of the things you should consider before implementing any ridesharing program:
- What background screening criteria are used? Are there specific restrictions and disciplinary actions for driver behavior, such as prohibiting cell phone use and similar activities that could interfere with safe vehicle operation?
- What are the insurance arrangements for liability, medical and vehicle collision damage? Is your district indemnified for any accidents occurring on rideshares?
- If the service is to be promoted through the school, what communication assistance does the rideshare organization provide? Do you (and your legal counsel) have the opportunity to review and approve all communication to families?
- What administrative burdens can you expect in implementing a ridesharing program?
Finally, if parents are independently utilizing ridesharing services to get their kids to school, it is also wise to apply your policy requirements for student drop off and pick up that ensure child safety.