Teens & taxis

[tildapop]

With 3 kids with busy after school schedules juggling the various pick-ups and drop-offs is getting difficult and I am increasingly finding I need to be in 2 places (or more) at once. We live in a tiny rural village so none of them can get home on public transport nor have close enough friends to easily lift-share.

I love our house but it's getting untenable so I've threatened moving. DH has pointed out occasional taxis for the older 2 would work out much cheaper than stamp duty . My first thought was horror - DD's are 14 and 12 which feels too young. Surely that can't be safe! DH thinks I'm being silly - I don't think men grow up with the same wariness over taxis that women do.

What age did you first let your teens get a taxi ride without you? Would you let them get one on their own or only if they're with someone else?

If we do let them start taking taxis are there any tips on how to keep them safe? Is there such a thing as CRB checked taxi drivers?

Thanks

p.s. this is in no way meant to offend the 99.9999% of taxi drivers who are not axe-wielding rapists

Allowed Dd at 14 and used track my journey with Uber so I could see the cab reg and exactly where she was.
We live in London & now we have an account with a very good taxi company.

Only allowed for short trips

Phone up local taxi company and ask if they have any drivers who have passed the enhanced DBS check, then check you can request them specifically. Set up an account so no cash is required.

I live in a farming part of Scotland so taxi drivers will have regular school rubs to outlying villages and farms. My taxi driving neighbour says he is liable to have thoughts of murdering the children when he has 4 or 5 in the car, but only 1 kid is fine they just chat away.