A ride-share driver in Calgary has stickers in the window signifying they drive for Uber and Lyft.
Ride-share company Uber has launched a service for teens in cities across Canada. Photo by Stephanie Babych. Credit: Stephanie Babych

Some Calgary parents are hailing Uber for Teens as the ultimate solution to safely getting their kids where they need to go. Others remain wary, despite acknowledging the busy schedules that parents face.

Uber piloted its new service in Calgary, letting teens 13 to 17 ride solo through a profile on their parents’ account. The service launched in additional cities in western Canada and Quebec in May, and Ontario and Nova Scotia on June 21.

“The economy has made it more important than ever that both parents are working, and we just can’t be everywhere, all at once, every time,” said Calgary parent Dale Finnis, who is raising two teenage sons with her husband.

While she sees the benefit of the ride-share service, she isn’t quite convinced it’s safe enough. “It just doesn’t take away that fear and the risk of turning this most important person in your life over into someone else’s hands. It’s a tough one.”

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Stephanie Babych is a journalist based in Calgary. She was a reporter for the Calgary Herald and Sun for four years, and is a graduate of Mount Royal University’s journalism program. During her time...