Arizona parents sending kids in Waymo cars alone against app policy

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A growing trend in the Valley is parents sending their unaccompanied kids to school or other activities in driverless Waymo cars despite the app’s policy against this.

Uber has Uber Teen, a program specifically designed for 13 to 17-year-olds to ride independently with added safety features. Some parents using that app say they don’t trust self-driving cars and would never let their child ride in one. Other parents, however, prefer companies like Waymo because no stranger is driving who could potentially harm their child.

“I have a little sister. She’s 15. I know kids have been using Waymo over Uber, which I think is a good thing,” said Matt, a Phoenix resident. “I have heard many times of even adults, females especially, getting into an Uber car and having to have that experience—I don’t want to say creepy—but a creepy or uncomfortable experience."

In 2019, Uber paid $4.4 million to settle a federal investigation that found a culture of sexual harassment and retaliation against those who reported harassment. That’s one reason Matt supports his siblings using Waymo.

Matt said using a ride-sharing service is part of a growing trend in a world where kids often have multiple after-school activities. He believes it is safer with Waymo because kids don’t have to deal with random strangers.

“I think if you’re sensible about this, you could see how a teenager could be very responsible in a Waymo,” said Andrew Maynard, an ASU professor who researches autonomous cars.

Maynard believes Waymo will likely eventually expand to offer services for teens, but not until some issues are resolved.

“You have to ask what happens when something goes wrong in a Waymo. What happens if the car is in a crash and you’ve got a teenager in it—what do they do? What happens if someone actively interferes with the car, like standing in front of it, or we’ve had experiences where people put cones on the cars, which immobilize them,” Maynard said.

Arizona’s Family reached out to Waymo and was told the company’s rules are clear: Riders must be 18 or older to use the app and ride by themselves. If someone is found violating those rules, Waymo can take action, including deactivating the account.

The company said it is exploring teens' potential to use Waymo under parental supervision.

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