---
title: HopSkipDrive comes to Richmond, Virginia, ahead of the new school year
description: >-
  HopSkipDrive is launching in Richmond, Virginia, giving area school districts
  and families a new option for safe, reliable rides to school.
date: '2024-07-17'
author: HopSkipDrive
category: Blog
tags:
  - Company Updates
canonical_url: https://www.hopskipdrive.com/blog/hopskipdrive-comes-to-richmond-ahead-of-the-new-school-year/
source: hopskipdrive
license: © 2026 HopSkipDrive. All rights reserved.
slug: hopskipdrive-comes-to-richmond-ahead-of-the-new-school-year
id: BN5QzwW39j4qfTCLG1aT6
contentType: article
---

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HopSkipDrive, a technology company solving complex transportation challenges with safety, equity, and care, will launch in Richmond, Virginia, for the 2024–2025 academic school year. Offering local [school districts](/districts) a new option to supplement school buses and existing transportation options for students, HopSkipDrive supports more than 10,000 schools around the country as a trusted partner that helps solve challenges with on-time arrivals, local [bus driver shortages](/clients/d11), budgetary pressures, and other issues.

“We’re thrilled to be launching in Richmond 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,” said Joanna McFarland, CEO and Co-founder of HopSkipDrive. “We know school transportation leaders are looking for additional solutions that offer safe, reliable transportation. CareDrivers are experienced caregivers from the Richmond community who undergo [thorough vetting](/safety#:~:text=Our%2015%2DPoint%20Certification%20Process) to ensure that children will be safe in their back seats.” 

HopSkipDrive’s small vehicle network and dynamic driver availability fill gaps in transportation access. HopSkipDrive offers Richmond-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 [youth experiencing homelessness, living in foster care](/mckinney-vento-foster-youth-transportation), or with disabilities. HopSkipDrive provides unparalleled safe and accessible transportation to support schools and students, with rides that can be arranged with just eight hours’ notice.

**HopSkipDrive is actively seeking CareDrivers in the Richmond area**

HopSkipDrive is actively welcoming new CareDrivers from the Richmond area to provide rides for students. Eligible drivers must have caregiving experience with children and pass a 15-point certification process and rigorous vetting. Anyone interested in becoming a CareDriver can apply on [HopSkipDrive’s website](/drive/?utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=rva-launch)[.](/drive/?utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=stl)

Here’s 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 online 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 selected students will receive updates, including pickup times, live ride tracking, and CareDriver information, via text message and through the HopSkipDrive app.

**Interested in learning more about how HopSkipDrive can help your Richmond-area district or school safely get kids where they need to go?**

[**GET A FREE QUOTE**](/quote/)

 

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