The role of the Primary CareDriver

We aim to bring as much consistency as possible to the HopSkipDrive ride experience. We do so first and foremost with the carefully devised and safety-driven steps of the HopSkipDrive ride process. These steps ensure that the ride experience is always safe and exactly the same, every time, for everyone who uses the HopSkipDrive platform.

Another way we bring consistency to the ride experience is by bundling repeated rides — or rides with the same Rider, to and from the same locations — into a recurring Ride Series. HopSkipDrive CareDrivers can then claim a Ride Series to become the “Primary CareDriver” on that series. 

Read on to learn more about the role of the Primary CareDriver, and how it benefits Riders and CareDrivers alike. 

A more "routine" ride experience

Many Riders on the HopSkipDrive platform have consistent schedules, and regularly need rides to the same locations at the same time every day. For many children — especially those in foster care, those with special needs or students who may be experiencing homelessness — consistency and routine provide a sense of stability that may not be found at home.

Scheduling a Ride Series with a Primary CareDriver is one way to bring an ever greater sense of stability to the ride experience for Riders. 

“One of our students likes their CareDriver so much that we chose to use HopSkipDrive for the out-of-district summer transportation to keep the same CareDriver with the student,” says one school district that partners with HopSkipDrive. “The student and the family really appreciate the consistency.”

As a CareDriver, it’s helpful to be able to plan ahead and choose routes and Riders that are familiar. Knowing exactly where and when you’re going every day — as well as who your Rider will be — adds a sense of ease to the overall ride experience. 

CareDriver and Rider rapport

Consistency breeds familiarity, as the saying goes. And CareDrivers and Riders often forge a special bond as they become a regular part of one another’s lives.

By claiming a Ride Series, the Primary CareDriver becomes a regular fixture in the life of the Rider or Riders they transport. This gives the connection between Primary CareDrivers and Riders the opportunity to develop and flourish. The more comfortable CareDrivers and Riders are with one another, the more positive and enjoyable the ride experience is for everyone.

“My daughter loves the independence of riding in her own car,” says one HopSkipDrive parent. “She beams with her own sense of accomplishment every single day she rides with HopSkipDrive.”  

The interpersonal ties that develop are one reason why many CareDrivers prefer to select rides — and Riders — that are familiar to them on the HopSkipDrive platform. The Primary CareDriver role makes this process even easier, giving both CareDrivers and Riders a better idea of what to expect day in and day out.

More predictable schedule (and earnings)

Having a confirmed, set schedule is a clear benefit for Riders, Ride Organizers and parents/caregivers who use the HopSkipDrive platform. So, too, is being acquainted with the Primary CareDriver of a Ride Series. All of this brings with it peace of mind. 

Says one HopSkipDrive education partner: “When we have continuity with the same CareDriver for both the a.m. and p.m. ride and everything is on time, the Rider and family experience is very positive.”

For CareDrivers who prefer a consistent schedule, predictable earnings and the opportunity to drive the same Rider repeatedly, being a Primary CareDriver is an ideal opportunity. Once a CareDriver claims a Ride Series to become the Primary CareDriver for that set of rides, they then have exclusive early access to claim rides in that Ride Series up to three weeks in advance.

As long as a Primary CareDriver claims 80% of the rides in a Ride Series, they maintain their status as the Primary CareDriver. Primary CareDrivers have the ability to lock in an established schedule with the same Rider or Riders on an ongoing basis.

A sense of security and purpose

As Riders develop a sense of trust with Primary CareDrivers, it helps them feel safe, supported and secure. This type of trusting and supportive relationship can, and does, have a discernible positive impact on the lives of HopSkipDrive Riders.

Primary CareDrivers gain a genuine sense of purpose from forging a connection with, and really getting to know, children and families in their community. 

“What I love most about being a CareDriver is having the opportunity to help those that need and depend on our service. It gives me a sense of responsibility and a feeling that I am doing something of purpose,” says one Denver-based CareDriver. “I also enjoy seeing some of the same Riders on a continual basis and having a good friendship with them.”

A smoother, more successful ride experience

As is the case with many things in life, the more you do something the better you become at it. Which is why it’s perhaps no surprise that Primary CareDrivers are some of the most effective, experienced — and successful — CareDrivers on the HopSkipDrive platform. 

All aspects of the HopSkipDrive ride experience become second nature to Primary CareDrivers, thanks in large part to their regular commitment to fulfilling ongoing Ride Series. 

The dedication and experience that Primary CareDrivers possess translates into a smoother ride experience all around. For Riders, seeing a familiar face behind the wheel brings an immediate sense of security. For Primary CareDrivers, a deep knowing of the ins and outs of the HopSkipDrive experience enables increased productivity and an enhanced sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

The same ride experience, day in and day out

The HopSkipDrive ride experience is always the same with every HopSkipDrive CareDriver. We are often asked if HopSkipDrive Riders can get the same CareDriver every time. The short answer is: We can’t guarantee this. Our model is, after all, based on individual CareDriver availability — which is why our solution is flexible, scalable and cost-effective.

Scheduling a recurring Ride Series with a Primary CareDriver, however, is a great way to give a HopSkipDrive Rider an even greater sense of constancy and stability with their day-to-day ride experience.

Interested in exploring a partnership with HopSkipDrive to solve some of your most pressing transportation challenges?