In a move to drive ridership forward and deliver safe transport for toddlers, Uber, a rideshare startup, is partnering with Care.com to equip vehicles for hire with child safety seats.
Uber networks passengers with ridesharing and vehicle-for-hire services in more than 80 U.S. cities and in 41 countries around the world. Care.com, which networks caregivers with individuals who require care, sponsored Uber's uberFamily service, allowing riders to opt for vehicles equipped with child safety seats for a $10 surcharge.
Donna Levin, co-founder and VP of operations at Care.com, said her company's sponsorship of uberFamily was an attempt to ease transport conditions for families in major cities.
"Families in major metropolitan areas like D.C. and Philadelphia know how difficult it can be to navigate transportation needs with small children," said Levin. "We were thrilled to sponsor the launch of uberFamily in New York and are delighted to help bring the service to families in D.C. and Philadelphia, easing their needs through a reliable service and continuing to raise awareness of child transportation safety for families nationwide."
The uberFamily option was said to be available when selecting the UberX or Black car options from the Uber App and will be available for use with children at least a year in age. The carseats were reportedly rated for 22- to 48-pound occupancy and were suitable for children measuring between 31 to 52 inches tall.
Care.com said it would cover the $10 fares and gift care packages for the first 500 rides in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Care.com has also offered all uberFamily riders a 20 percent discount off of premium membership on its caregiver network.
Rachel Holt, regional general manager for Uber East Coast, expressed her enthusiasm for the uberFamily program in a statement.
"We're excited to expand our uberFamily option to D.C. and Philadelphia to continue delivering more choice and value to our riders," Holt said. "With the support of Care.com, Uber is proud to be raising industry standards for safer, family-friendly options while giving parents and caregivers the same reliability and convenience they expect from the Uber platform."
Before the uberFamily program launched, Uber drivers were said to have undergone carseat training from a safety seat specialist. Known as "The Carseat Lady," the specialist helped Uber settle on IMMI Go car seats for the uberFamily service.
"When you request uberFamily, expect not only a car seat, but a driver who has been certified by The Car Seat Lady," stated Uber.
