Safe and Reliable Rides for Students with Special Needs and IEPs
HopSkipDrive partners with schools all over the country to address the transportation needs of students with special needs and those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with transportation requirements.
A Consistent Ride Experience, Every Time
HopSkipDrive is a trusted partner for schools in meeting the individualized transportation needs of students with disabilities.
Consistency
The HopSkipDrive ride experience is tech-enabled, designed to create a consistent experience that allows riders with special needs to thrive. Detailed rider-specific notes, two-factor verification at pickup, and standardized CareDriver pickup processes help ensure students have a relaxed ride and arrive at school ready to learn.
Caregivers on Wheels
The network of CareDrivers using HopSkipDrive’s technology is the largest and safest community of “caregivers on wheels.” CareDrivers are required to have five years of caregiving experience — which is critical for serving vulnerable populations — and go through extensive background checks, including fingerprint-based criminal history searches.
Real-Time Ride Tracking
We give families the peace of mind they deserve. HopSkipDrive’s Safe Ride Technology tracks all rides in real time and offers unparalleled end-to-end visibility to parents at each stage of the ride.
Safety
We continually innovate on safety, proactively and strategically implementing new technology and processes. We believe safety is about looking to the future and being proactive, innovative, and relentless.
Flexibility
Ride requests can be filled with as little as six hours’ notice, so students with disabilities can count on a ride to the appointments they need.
Reliability
With access to our technology that connects you to a nimble CareDriver network, you’ll never have to wait days or weeks to reroute a school bus or find a local provider to get students to school.
Accessible Transportation, Exceptional Care
Our RideIQ ride management platform makes it easy to arrange transportation on an individual basis, customized to each student’s unique needs.
Customized IEP Rider Experience
Parents or caregivers of students with disabilities have access to a direct line to speak to the HopSkipDrive team before their student’s first ride to help customize the ride experience so we can better support that student’s unique needs.
Primary CareDriver +
With Primary CareDriver +, the same highly qualified CareDriver can deliver an even higher level of service and consistency by providing at least 80% of an individual rider’s rides.
Rider Assistants
For students needing an additional adult in the vehicle, school districts can book a Rider Assistant through the HopSkipDrive platform. Currently in select markets and expanding to additional markets in 2025.
Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Rides
Our CarePartners™ provide rides for students in wheelchairs through their wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV). Rides can be scheduled in as little as 24 hours prior to pickup time. Currently in select markets and expanding to additional markets in 2025.
The Leading Provider of Supplemental School Transportation Solutions
We are trusted by school districts around the country to solve their biggest challenges with safety, equity, and care driving everything we do.
10K+
Schools Helped
3.3M+
Rides Completed
61M+
Safe Miles Driven
Paving the Way to a Safer Future for Students in Need
HopSkipDrive goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being of students facing unique challenges. We combine compassionate care with cutting-edge technology to create a transportation solution that prioritizes the safety and experience of every child.
Experienced and Compassionate Drivers
CareDrivers on our platform are highly vetted caregivers — parents, grandparents, former teachers, babysitters, and more. They bring empathy and a knowledge of best practices for working with highly vulnerable populations. They are also connected with relevant resources, such as trauma-informed care education.
Safety Every Step of the Way
We’re setting a new standard for school transportation safety and transparency. From multifactor rider verification to real-time ride tracking, pickup and drop-off instructions, and our Safe Ride Technology, our processes are designed to keep riders and CareDrivers safe.
In Their Own Words
“Not only does HopSkipDrive help reduce the district’s overall transportation costs, but offering this service to students with specialized transportation needs shortens commute times — meaning less time in transit and more time learning.”
Klein Independent School District
—Leigh Cook, Director of Federal Programs and Academic Compliance
“HopSkipDrive has regularly led the industry in its use of innovative technology to meet students and schools where they are. We know students with disabilities often thrive in educational settings where consistent and predictable allies work with them to achieve their goals, and [HopSkipDrive’s] enhanced services will enable that more than ever.”
Bellflower Unified School District
—Precious Young, Director of Special Education
“Having HopSkipDrive as an option helps keep things in compliance with state and federal regulations. It also really helps students who struggle using the school bus.”