Exciting New Offerings for the CareDriver Community This Back-to-School Season
At HopSkipDrive, our commitment to safety, reliability, and care is at the core of everything we do. We are continually developing innovative, purpose-built technology and programs to not only address complex student transportation challenges but also to support and empower the CareDriver community. That’s why we’re thrilled to share some new and expanded programs rolling out for the 2025–2026 back-to-school season! Think enhanced safety, new ways to earn, and even more peace of mind.
Coming to All Markets
More Support for Your Rides with Rider Assistants
We understand that your top priority as a CareDriver is ensuring a safe journey. Some riders might need a little extra one-on-one attention. To support these riders,, schools can now arrange for a dedicated adult, called a Rider Assistant, to join certain rides. The Rider Assistant will be in the car, focusing on the student’s emotional and immediate needs, allowing you to concentrate entirely on safe driving, bringing an extra layer of support and peace of mind with another caring adult on board to assist.
Here’s how it makes your rides smoother:
Additional Stop: Your ride will follow a specific sequence of stops involving a Rider Assistant. For morning drop-offs to school, you’ll first pick up the Rider Assistant from the school, then pick up the rider from their residence, and finally drop off both the Rider Assistant and the rider at the school. For afternoon pickups from school, this sequence is reversed: you’ll pick up both the Rider Assistant and the rider from the school, then drop off the rider at their residence, and finally drop the Rider Assistant back at the school. As always, you’ll be paid for the full route, including picking up and dropping off the Rider Assistant.
Easy Coordination: You’ll be able to connect and communicate with Rider Assistants right through your app (don’t worry — your phone number stays private and masked for your security). This makes coordinating pickups and drop-offs a breeze.
Focus on Driving: With a Rider Assistant dedicated to the rider, you can keep your full attention on the road, knowing the rider is well supported.
Know Before You Go: No surprises here. You’ll see clearly in the app before you claim a ride if a Rider Assistant is scheduled to be part of that trip.
Available in Select Cities
In-ride Recording with Safe Ride InSight™
You asked for more ways to feel secure on the road, and we listened! We’re expanding and bringing Safe Ride InSight™ — our in-ride recording program — to more cities. This means you can get a dashboard camera or dashcam, at no cost to you, that only records eligible HopSkipDrive rides to add an extra layer of safety and transparency. It’s all about giving you, and your riders, greater peace of mind.
Here’s what’s in it for you:
Set It and Forget It: The dashcam knows when to record* eligible rides (video, audio, and it’ll even give a voice alert if the camera is blocked), so you can focus on doing what you do best — driving safely.
Off When You Are: The dashcam automatically records only during HopSkipDrive rides that the Ride Organizer has enabled for recording, and these rides will be visibly marked on the Rides page. When you’re on your own time, or on a ride that doesn’t require it, it’s off.
Extra Security On the Go: Think of it as a neutral bystander, capturing what happens inside and outside the car, plus audio. It’s there for clarity and your protection if anything unexpected happens.
*Recordings are stored for 30 days post-ride by HopSkipDrive, or longer if required by the school or applicable laws. Access is strictly controlled by HopSkipDrive and the respective schools, only viewable upon request or in the event of a safety incident.
“It is extremely important since it is a way to have proof of everything that happens while you take a trip, which provides security.”
—Jhormann L., CareDriver in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing Our Car Seat Program
Get ready for a new opportunity to make an even bigger impact! We’re launching a car seat program in select cities, offering interested CareDrivers an opportunity to provide safe transportation for younger children (ages 4–6) who require car seats.
To get started, you’ll see a new specialized advanced qualification invitation in your CareDriver app when it’s available in your area. Complete that, and you’ll be eligible for these new ride opportunities. Eligible CareDrivers will receive a safety-compliant, HopSkipDrive-approved car seat at no cost to you (as needed).
Why you’ll love it:
New Earning Opportunities: Unlock exclusive access to car seat rides in your area, increasing your pay while doing meaningful work.
Make a Bigger Difference: Provide essential, safe transportation for young children (ages 4–6), fulfilling a critical community need and doing truly meaningful work.
Clear Guidance: All these rides follow the Must Be Met “Wait in Car” protocol, where on-site staff or caregivers will assist the rider on and off the seat. This ensures you can consistently uphold our no-touch policy, with clear instructions and guidance in-app provided throughout the process.
“Every school year brings new opportunities, and we want to ensure CareDrivers are equipped for success and safety. These new offerings represent our commitment to innovative, purpose-built solutions that solve complex transportation challenges while prioritizing both the CareDriver experience and the well-being of the riders. It’s how CareDrivers are equipped with everything needed to continue making that incredible daily impact — one safe ride at a time.”
—Jean Nguyenloc, Director of CareDriver Engagement
An Update on Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Rides
In line with our commitment to arranging safe, reliable rides for students of all abilities and ages, we are expanding our offerings to include Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle (WAV) rides. To provide this, we are partnering with professional local NEMT (non-emergency medical transportation) providers — known as “CarePartners™” — who are trained to support students in wheelchair-accessible vehicles. You may see these rides as locked in your rides page, and while this initiative broadens the transportation solutions HopSkipDrive offers, it does not change your experience. We are sharing this news with you as a key part of our community and in the spirit of transparency.
Your commitment to safety and care is what makes HopSkipDrive special, and we’re dedicated to providing you opportunities to succeed and feel valued.
