16 y/o dd desperately wants to meet up with a camp friend to walk on the high line (after being isolated for months). We live in Brooklyn. She is comfortable navigating the subways, but I'm nervous about the virus. She is mildly immune compromised due to a medical condition, and DH is 60. And you can't control how many strangers are on a subway car. As a middle ground, we're considering sending her in an Uber, on the theory that it would present less potential exposure. Thoughts?
Hi! Why not a cab? I've been in several over the past month. My 13 year old takes them by himself. For some reason, I find these safer than Ubers in general.
I agree. I think a cab, with a plastic barrier, might be safer.
Interesting. Do you use an app to call a regular taxi? (I've used Lyft and Uber, but have never called a cab that way).
Meeting with a friend doesn't seem like a valid reason to take a cab or get on the subway right now. Why not walk or bike to a destination in the HRP?
The friend lives in New Jersey, so they are meeting at a central destination. We obviously don't have a car, or I would just drive her.
I think many lyft and uber rivers have also installed plastic barriers between the front and back. If she does it, she needs a mask and should open all the windows for the whole trip.
Honestly I’m more concerned about the predatory issues with Uber drivers. I would not let my teen take an Uber alone.
Especially a girl; or give her pepper spray.
I would also give her one of those "lost key" trackers and ask her to keep her keys in her pocket in case the driver threw out her phone in a predatory situation.
I posted this over a month ago. We did not put her in an Uber alone. We ended up renting a Zip Car and driving her.
Oh that’s good. I’ve never done Zip Car. Is it convenient? Do you rent by the day?
Happy to read you rented a zip car. That was your best choice. I cringe whenever I hear people say that they send their dcs in Ubers or any cabs alone. I’d be too scared.
And I'm not shilling for Dial 7 but Uber and Lyft do not bond or screen their drivers the way that the more traditional car services do. During this time, I would recommend finding a phone car service you're comfortable with and asking for the same driver on subsequent rides if you liked him or her. I think many families at the Hill Schools are doing this with their own drivers or forming effective "carpool pods" - great idea. IMO they should offer to pick up students who might not be able to afford such luxuries on the way through their neighborhoods. Or the school should underwrite as appropriate. Masks on and temperature checks for everyone prior to every ride.
Just FYI you need a timed ticket for the high line now
Nope.