Question 1

What is ShuttleCub?

Accepted Answer

ShuttleCub is a child transportation service designed to help busy NYC parents get their kids safely and reliably to school, activities, playdates, and more. You tell us what you need, and we will match you with a reliable "Bear" to safely chaperone your kids where they need to be - on time, every time. While ShuttleCub Bears are not drivers, and we do not operate our own vehicles, our highly trusted Bears help kids get around the city on foot, by bus, subway, taxi, or rideshare (e.g., Uber, Lyft).

Question 2

What ages do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in chaperoning school-aged children, starting at 6 years old.  To ensure safe & happy ShuttleCub runs, we require children to have a certain level of maturity in terms of following directions, communicating needs, and feeling comfortable with trusted (though not all that familiar) adults.

Question 3

Where does ShuttleCub operate?

Accepted Answer

ShuttleCub currently focuses on serving families in Manhattan, where we’re building deep, hyper‑local trust and community.   We also accommodate select routes to and from the outer boroughs, depending on timing and Bear availability.

Submit your run request, and we’ll always do our best to support your family’s needs.

Question 4

When does ShuttleCub operate?

Accepted Answer

ShuttleCub operates every weekday during regular hours of 8 am to 8 pm. That said, based on demand, we have introduced extended hours — 6 to 8 am and 8 to 10 pm — to ensure maximum flexibility for families. Plus, we have now extended operations on weekends to make it even easier to keep up with activities and outings. Whatever your needs, ShuttleCub is here to support your family’s busy schedule as best as we can!

Question 5

Who are the Bears?

Accepted Answer

Our Bears are thoroughly vetted, background-checked, and reference-checked individuals who have undergone training to provide safe and dependable transportation for children. They escort kids via foot, subway, bus, taxi, or ride share, based on each family's needs. 
Check out our Bear Spotlight here!

Question 6

Do ShuttleCub Bears drive children in cars?

Accepted Answer

ShuttleCub does not provide drivers or operate private vehicles. Our Bears accompany children on foot, using public transit (bus, subway), taxis, or ride services (e.g., Uber, Lyft), ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable travel around the city.

Question 7

How do I schedule a run and what does the whole process look like?

Accepted Answer

All first-time families must create an account profile before scheduling their first run.

Here's how to schedule a run:

1. Simply let us know your child’s shuttle needs via our Run Request Form and we’ll match your run with a trusted Bear Runner. Run details must include: Time | Location | Child | Mode of Travel | Specific Instructions for each stop of the run. 
2. Once a Bear has picked up your run, and you have confirmed the Bear, your run is officially confirmed, and you will receive a calendar invite with run details embedded. 
3. The day before your run, a chat will be initiated between you and the Bear, to confirm final run details and enable pre/during-run communications.
4. Throughout the actual run, you will receive live notifications from the Bear, a GPS tracking link to be able to track your child's route in real-time, as well as photo verification of your child's safe arrival at each stop of the run - all to provide you with maximum peace of mind knowing where your child is at any point during the run.

Question 8

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer three flexible options so you can choose what fits your family’s routine:
One‑Time Runs
Perfect for occasional or last‑minute needs.

Bundle Runs
Ideal if you need a handful of runs with more flexibility.

Subscriptions
Best for families who rely on us on a regular basis.

For full pricing details, please visit our Pricing & Plans page.

Question 9

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

One‑Time RunsCharged upfront based on estimated cost once you approve the Bear match.  After the run, we make any cost adjustments based on actual run details.Bundle RunsBundles are pre‑purchased and credited upfront when your run is confirmed.  Any difference between the bundle credit and actual run cost is adjusted post‑run via invoice.SubscriptionsCharged upfront each month for your subscription + estimated run costs.Cost adjustments are made the following month via invoice.Payment MethodsPay via Zelle to charleen@shuttlecub.com [Chrisoar LLC]

Question 10

Can I change details of a run?

Accepted Answer

Email us at info@shuttlecub.com as soon as you know you need to change your submitted run details.There’s no fee when you make changes to a run more than 24 hours before the start time.For changes made within 24 hours, there is a $15 change fee. This helps us account for the impact on your confirmed Bear’s schedule or the need to find a new Bear at the last minute.Change fees are waived for our subscription families.

Question 11

Can I cancel a run?

Accepted Answer

You’re welcome to cancel a run at any time, and we try to make the process as fair and flexible as possible.There is no fee for cancelling a run more than 24 hours before the scheduled start time.If you need to cancel within 24–12 hours of the run start time, there is a $20 cancellation fee. This helps us account for the time your confirmed Bear has already set aside for your family.If a run is cancelled less than 12 hours before the start time, the full base cost of the run is charged. At that point, it’s extremely difficult for us to reassign the Bear or fill the time slot.For our subscription families, we will waive the cancellation fees for 20% of pre-booked runs. (e.g., If 10 runs are pre-booked in the recurring series, 2 runs can be cancelled at no cost, even if <24 hours before scheduled run start time)

Question 12

Can I schedule a recurring run?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We know life is full of routines—whether it's piano lessons, soccer practice, or that standing Tuesday ice cream tradition (priorities!!). To make things easier, customers can schedule recurring runs up to three months in advance. For each recurring run, we establish a "Bear team" with a Primary Bear and 1-2 Backup Bears. Whenever possible, we strive to provide consistency and match families with familiar Bears to build trust and comfort.

Question 13

Can I request the same Bear every time?

Accepted Answer

You can request up to 3 preferred bears when you submit a run. Whenever possible, we will strive to provide consistency and match families with familiar Bears to build trust and comfort. However, since our Bears ultimately have full autonomy to choose the runs that fit their schedules, we may not always be able to match families with their desired Bear.

For recurring runs (e.g., weekly, daily), we do assign a dedicated Bear team comprised of a Primary Bear + 1-2 Backup Bears. This is to ensure comfort & familiarity for families, while allowing our Bears some flexibility in terms of not having a singular person take on all runs every week.

Question 14

Can my child's friends who are going to the same stops join the run?

Accepted Answer

For safety and manageability, a single Bear can escort up to 3 Cubs maximum on any run. Cubs may come from the same household or different households — when they come from multiple families, we refer to these as Multi‑Cub Runs.To keep these runs safe, smooth, and fair for everyone involved, here are the terms and conditions:1. All Cubs must share the exact same routeMulti‑Cub Runs require that all Cubs have identical pickup and drop‑off locations. We’re not able to accommodate separate stops for some Cubs and not others, as this adds complexity and safety risk.2. One parent acts as the Primary ParentThe Primary Parent submits and confirms the Run Request on behalf of the group. They are also responsible for full payment of the run, and can coordinate reimbursement with the other families however they prefer.3. Every Cub must have a ShuttleCub profileEach family participating in the run must create a ShuttleCub account profile for their Cub.  This ensures we have emergency contacts, permissions, and safety information for every child on the run.4. Pricing for Multi‑Cub RunsBecause each additional child increases the Bear’s responsibility, coordination needs, and vigilance, Multi‑Cub Runs follow a simple pricing structure:2 Cubs: Billed at 1.25× the standard rate3 Cubs (maximum): Billed at 1.5× the standard rate

Question 15

How do you ensure safety?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our top priority and a core pillar of the ShuttleCub philosophy. Every Bear is interviewed, background checked, reference checked, and thoroughly trained (virtual + multiple in-person shadow/observation runs). We only hire Bears we would trust to shuttle our own children.  We consistently monitor Bear performance on each run, and ensure the highest quality standards of Bears are maintained at all times.

All runs are tracked with real-time notifications, GPS tracking, and photo verification at every stop. We personally monitor and track every run - both before and during the run - to ensure every run is safe & smooth.

Question 16

What if something unexpected happens during a run?

Accepted Answer

ShuttleCub has contingency plans & standby teams in place to handle any situation. To the best of our ability, our dedicated team ensures that your child is always safe, comfortable, and arrives at their destination as planned, barring circumstances beyond our control.

Question 17

Does ShuttleCub provide babysitting services?

Accepted Answer

While ShuttleCub's primary focus is on destination-based support (i.e., getting your kids safely where they need to be), we understand families may have additional needs such as transition supervision or babysitting, which we may be able to offer. If you're considering Bear-led help beyond transportation, feel free to reach out / include that in your run request -- we’re happy to clarify what’s possible within our platform boundaries.

Question 18

How can I get started with ShuttleCub?

Accepted Answer

In order to submit a run, all new families will need to set up an Account Profile here. 
Once your account is set up, use our simple Run Intake Form to tell us exactly what you need.

Alternatively, sign up your family on our 'Contact' page and learn more about our services. We will reach out within 24 hours to answer your questions and better understand your needs!

What is ShuttleCub?

What ages do you serve?

Where does ShuttleCub operate?

When does ShuttleCub operate?

Who are the Bears?

Do ShuttleCub Bears drive children in cars?

How do I schedule a run and what does the whole process look like?

How much does it cost?

How do I pay?

Can I change details of a run?

Can I cancel a run?

Can I schedule a recurring run?

Can I request the same Bear every time?

Can my child's friends who are going to the same stops join the run?

How do you ensure safety?

What if something unexpected happens during a run?

Does ShuttleCub provide babysitting services?

How can I get started with ShuttleCub?

Join our mailing list

ShuttleCub

About Us

Meet Our Bears

Media, Events & Partners

Legal & Policies

Run Policies

Parent Services Agreement

Accessibility

Contact