Uber can now be called by phone, the service also allowed teenagers to ride unaccompanied

Uber is rolling out new features to make it easier for people of all ages to access the taxi service. The company will allow teenagers under the age of 18 to drive alone for the first time. CNN.

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At its annual event on May 17, Uber unveiled a new account feature for teens that allows teens aged 13 to 17 to enjoy rides and get into cars on their own. Their parents and guardians can also monitor them remotely via the app.

The new option will roll out May 22 in more than a dozen metropolitan areas across the US and Canada, including New York, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston, with plans to roll out to more cities in the coming weeks and months.

Previously, people under the age of 18 were not allowed to use Uber without an adult.

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At the event, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said it was helping families with children and highlighted the company's safety features so "parents can have peace of mind."

The new accounts include a unique PIN that teens will need to tell their driver before boarding, as well as an in-app audio recording of the trip. The real-time ride tracking feature also allows parents to follow their child through the Uber app. And parents can contact the driver directly during the trip, as well as contact Uber support.

Khosrowshahi also said that "only experienced drivers with high ratings will be allowed to travel with teenagers."

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Uber said it consulted with Safe Kids Worldwide, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children, when developing the account offer for teens.

Now you can call Uber by phone

Uber is also launching a nationwide phone number for anyone who doesn't have the app to be able to use its services, likely aimed at helping older Americans who may not be used to navigating on a smartphone.

Beginning May 17, U.S. customers can call 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237) toll-free to speak with an agent in English or Spanish, order on-demand taxis, or reserve rides, according to Engadget. The driver will then receive a text confirming the booking. This is an innovative idea, to say the least.

Uber is looking to roll out a number of new features across its core app and Uber Eats. Many of the upgrades announced, including group travel and grocery ordering, focus on digitally connecting friends and family.

Uber Eats has two unique updates: group grocery shopping and gift video messages.

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Group shopping means you can invite people you live with into a shared shopping cart. Each person can set a deadline when they need to buy certain products, create a recurring order, and send a reminder to other members to add what they need.

Anyone who uses Uber Eats to send surprises to loved ones can benefit from the upgrade the next time they add a gift to their cart. Giveaways on Uber Eats become more personalized, with senders able to record and attach video messages.

Right now, this feature is only available for gift cards, but Uber says it will soon work with everything you send.

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