Parents are busier than ever these days, and their kids are too. Instead of having to make sacrifices and miss appointments, parents in San Francisco can now use Shuddle and have someone else drive their kids around.

Shuddle is an app that gives parents the peace of mind that a trained, background-checked driver is going to come pick up their kids and take them to school or their activities, USAToday reports.

Shuddle founder Nick Allen said the program is still in its startup phase, but thanks to a $9 a month membership fee and rides that cost an average 15 percent more than Lyft or Uber, he thinks Shuddle can be profitable and expand. 

Shuddle received $2.6 million in startup cash from Accel Partners, Comcast Ventures and other companies.

"We're tailored to busy families who want a trusted option for getting their kids places," Allen said.

Drivers for Shuddle are currently all females. They had to pass third-party background checks that are more intensive than those done at Lyft or Uber. They also had to impress Shuddle at their in-person interviews.

Shuddle requires parents to be organized -- they have to plan the rides the day before they need the ride.

Shuddle then assigns a driver to pick up the child the following day. Parents will be able to follow the driver's progress as he approaches. Kids will have to carry around a phone with text messaging because they will have to text a secret code to start the Shuddle ride.

Shuddle pays a premium to insure its drivers because the main passengers are minors.

Allen said he knows some parents might be reluctant to try Shuddle but insisted it is a valuable and safe service for them.

"Overall, I know there's a hurdle for many people," Allen said. "Parents have always said to their kids, 'Don't get in the car with strangers.' But we think we can turn that around." 

For more information on Shuddle, visit the startup's website. 

What do you think of Shuddle? Is it a good idea to let kids get into cars with these drivers? Leave us a comment below and let us know.