HopSkipDrive arrives in Grand Rapids for the 2024–2025 school year

A technology company solving complex transportation challenges where there is a heightened need for equity, safety, and care, HopSkipDrive is pleased to be launching service in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the 2024–2025 academic school year.

HopSkipDrive will partner with several local school districts, including Kentwood Public Schools, which enrolls more than 9,500 students. HopSkipDrive supports more than 10,000 schools around the country, and is a trusted partner in helping school districts solve local bus driver shortages, challenges with on-time arrivals, budget pressures and other issues.

“We’re thrilled to be launching in Grand Rapids this year, to ensure that school districts and families have access to the reliable rides HopSkipDrive is known for across the country, as well as our industry-leading technology and unparalleled approach to safety. We know school transportation leaders are looking for additional solutions that offer safe, reliable transportation. CareDrivers are experienced caregivers from the Grand Rapids community who undergo thorough vetting to ensure that children will be safe in their back seats.” 

—Joanna McFarland, CEO and Co-founder of HopSkipDrive

“We are committed to removing barriers that can impact our students’ learning," says Todd Bell, Kentwood Public Schools Executive Director of Finance and Business Operations. "Our partnership with HopSkipDrive will do just that. This is yet another means of reducing barriers for our students to access an exceptional learning experience.” 

HopSkipDrive’s dynamic driver availability and small vehicle network fill gaps in transportation access. HopSkipDrive offers Grand Rapids-area school districts a flexible and reliable ride, especially for those students whose needs cannot be met with traditional school buses and fixed routes, including children with disabilities or those who may be experiencing homelessness or living in foster care.

With HopSkipDrive, rides can be arranged with just eight hours' notice, providing unparalleled safe and accessible transportation to support schools and students. In addition to HopSkipDrive rides, the company also offers schools and school districts AI-based software to optimize transportation routing, including bus routes, to solve challenges like bus driver shortages, changes in bell times, climate goals, and budget constraints. 

Here’s an overview of how HopSkipDrive works: 

• School districts identify students to receive rides from CareDrivers, and inform parents and caregivers.
• Transportation officials then arrange rides directly through HopSkipDrive’s RideIQ platform.
• Once a ride has been booked, HopSkipDrive delivers ride details to organizers, parents, and caregivers. All details, and real-time ride tracking, is available in the HopSkipDrive app.
• Riders and CareDrivers verify one another using a multi-factor verification system using birthdays, names, and code words for an added layer of security before beginning the ride.
• Parents and caregivers of students will receive updates, including pickup times, live ride tracking, and CareDriver information, via text message and through the HopSkipDrive app. 

Districts interested in partnering with HopSkipDrive can sign up here for a free consultation.

HopSkipDrive is actively seeking CareDrivers in the Grand Rapids area

HopSkipDrive is actively welcoming new CareDrivers from the Grand Rapids area to provide rides for students. Eligible drivers can earn up to $50 per ride* and must have at least five  years of caregiving experience and pass a 15-point certification process and rigorous vetting. Anyone interested in becoming a CareDriver can apply on HopSkipDrive’s website.

*Terms Apply

Interested in learning more about how HopSkipDrive can help your Grand Rapids-area district or school safely and efficiently get students where they need to go?