HopSkipDrive, a Los Angeles-based scalable school transportation solution for families, school districts, and government agencies, has launched its service in 10 metro Detroit school districts.
Among those are Detroit Public Schools Community District, Ferndale Public Schools, Farmington Public Schools, and Wayne-Westland Community Schools.
HopSkipDrive provides a transportation solution that is designed to combine cell phone technology with operational expertise to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who uses the platform. Its approach to safety begins with highly vetted caregivers behind the wheel (who are known as CareDrivers) and extends to every aspect of the company’s operations, according to HopSkipDrive.
Users create and edit individualized, small group, or on-demand transportation plans via the HopSkipDrive RideIQ app. The app also provides end-to-end ride visibility, and ensures parents that students get where they need to go.
“We’re looking forward to providing a safe, dependable school transportation solution for Detroit-area schools,” says Joanna McFarland, co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive. “Mobility is about so much more than getting kids where they need to go. Access to transportation can be the difference between struggle and success for many kids. We’re excited to be partnering with schools and districts to help get kids to school safely and reliably.”
Every HopSkipDrive CareDriver has at least five years of caregiving experience and must pass a 15-point certification process, including fingerprinting, background screenings, and ongoing driving and criminal record checks. CareDrivers on the HopSkipDrive platform must use a four-door vehicle newer than 10 years old, and vehicles must pass an inspection by a certified mechanic annually.
“I appreciate HopSkipDrive’s commitment to providing an innovative school transportation solution,” says Bill Good, director of communications and pupil services at Ferndale Public Schools. “Every day, parents trust school districts to safely transport their children to and from school. HopSkipDrive provides parents and caregivers with an unprecedented ability to oversee their child’s trip to school every day through the smartphone application. This level of transparency builds a culture of trust between the school, parent, and driver.”
HopSkipDrive is actively seeking CareDrivers in the Detroit area. Being a CareDriver comes with many benefits, including pay up to $40/hour, a flexible schedule and the opportunity to make a difference by helping families in the local community, the company says. Individuals who are interested in becoming a HopSkipDrive CareDriver in the Detroit area can visit here.
HopSkipDrive now operates in 21 major markets across 12 states and partners with more than 400 school districts across the country. Its drivers have safely driven more than 20 million miles and transported more than 2 million riders to date.
