Parents in Richmond, Virginia, Can Now Book Safe Rides for Kids with HopSkipDrive

Families living in Richmond now have a new option for safe, reliable transportation for their kids: HopSkipDrive. 

Parents and caregivers can book rides to and from school, for  sports practices, or for extracurricular activities any day of the week from local, vetted caregivers through the HopSkipDrive app.

Currently supporting more than 10,000 schools across the country, HopSkipDrive launched service locally in the Richmond area for the 2024-2025 academic school year, supplementing school buses and existing transportation options for students via its network of CareDrivers. 

“I know well the challenges posed by shuttling children to and from school, sports practice, or any other activity — I first founded HopSkipDrive because of my own needs as a working mom,” said Joanna McFarland, CEO and Co-Founder of HopSkipDrive. “Now families can access the safe and reliable rides HopSkipDrive is known for across the country, as well as our industry-leading technology and unparalleled approach to safety.”

HopSkipDrive CareDrivers have a minimum of five years of caregiving experience and undergo thorough vetting to ensure riders are safe in their back seats. 

Families in the Richmond area can get $20 off their first HopSkipDrive ride with promo code WELCOME20.* 

To book a ride: 

1. Download the HopSkipDrive app.

2. Use the easy-to-navigate interface to arrange safe, reliable transportation for a child, older adult, or anyone needing extra care with a few taps of a button. 

3. The HopSkipDrive platform connects a rider with a network of highly qualified CareDrivers.

4. Once a ride has been booked, HopSkipDrive texts the parent who organized the pickup with ride details. Details are also made available in the app.

5. Riders and CareDrivers verify one another using a multi-factor identification  system using birthdays, names, and code words for an added layer of security before beginning the ride. CareDrivers are responsible for providing the rider with their name and secret code word once the Rider has reached the vehicle. The rider then provides their birthday after confirming the initial information. 

6. Parents receive live-ride text message updates when a CareDriver is on their way, and when they arrive,  depart, and safely reach the destination. Parents can also track rides in real time through the app. If a ride needs to be canceled, that function is also completed through the app.

*Terms and Conditions: HopSkipDrive may, in our sole discretion, create promotional codes that may be redeemed for discounts on rides (a “Promo Code”). This Promo Code is a one-time offer that is limited to one redemption per customer account and is valid for rides booked and completed by June 30, 2025. You agree that Promo Codes: (i) must be used for the intended audience and purpose, and in a lawful manner; (ii) may not be duplicated, sold, or transferred in any manner, or made available to the general public (whether posted to a public forum or otherwise); (iii) may be disabled by us at any time for any reason without liability to us; (iv) may only be used pursuant to the specific terms that we establish for such Promo Code; (v) are not redeemable for cash, gift cards or cash equivalents; and (vi) may expire prior to your use. To the extent permitted by applicable law, HopSkipDrive’s liability under or in connection with the promotion or these terms and conditions shall be limited to the cost price of the ride discount specified in the promotion.

HopSkipDrive makes transportation simple for families — and safe for kids.