One of the biggest challenges for parents raising young
children is transporting their kids to school and after-school activities. For working couples, school gets out
inconveniently in the middle of the afternoon.
The challenge is further compounded if their kids are active in sports
that have several practices and meets during the week.
Here are three startups that are tackling this problem by
creating “Uber for Kids” offerings.
1.
Shuddle – Shuddle
touts the safety of their system they call “ShuddleSafe”. They hire drivers who will use their own
cars. Drivers have undergone extensive
screening and background checks. They
also offer the ability for parents to track the ride while it’s in
progress. A ride costs a minimum of
$15. They also offer carpooling for $8
per family per ride. (The service is
currently offered in the San Francisco Bay Area).
2.
Boost –
Offered by Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Boost is
similar to Shuddle except kids are driven in Mercedes Boost vans. A ride costs $22 with discounts for bundled
purchases. They offer carpool savings
where parents get rebates by recruiting other families. (The service is currently offered in areas
around Palo Alto CA).
3.
HopSkipDrive – Created by three moms,
HopSkipDrive is similar to Shuddle.
Rides start at $20 with bundle savings.
(The service is currently offered in Greater Los Angeles).
So
far these rideshares for kids services are highly rated and combined have racked up millions of
miles of rides. Have you used any of
these services? Please share your
experiences? Also, what do you think of
the costs?