Safe, Reliable Rides Are Now Available in Lewiston
We are pleased to announce expansion of our operations into Maine, in partnership with Lewiston Public Schools and other local districts.
As Maine school districts navigate transportation complexities, including a statewide bus driver shortage, HopSkipDrive is launching first in Lewiston to provide a safe and reliable supplement to traditional busing — one that is purpose-built to support students whose needs often fall outside the scope of fixed routes, including students with disabilities, in foster care, or experiencing homelessness.
“Lewiston Public Schools is excited to partner with HopSkipDrive to provide safe, reliable rides to all our students. We are committed to ensuring our students have every opportunity to succeed, starting with a transportation option to and from school that can be arranged in as little as six hours. Our partnership with HopSkipDrive provides a much-needed supplement to our transportation options, giving our students and their families peace of mind and helping us ensure that every child can get to and from school safely and on time.
—Alisa Roman, Director of Transportation and Nutrition, Lewiston Public Schools
HopSkipDrive will provide local schools and districts access to a new network of highly vetted drivers, known as CareDrivers, in small vehicles. These CareDrivers include parents, grandparents, nurses, babysitters, and other experienced caregivers — an approach designed to specifically meet the needs of children. CareDrivers leverage HopSkipDrive’s industry-leading safety approach and advanced Safe Ride Technology™, which includes over 50 safety products and features integrated throughout the ride experience.
To meet the needs of all students, HopSkipDrive offers a suite of specialized transportation solutions. For students with mobility challenges, HopSkipDrive’s RideIQ platform provides access to wheelchair-accessible vehicles operated by specially trained local professionals known as CarePartners™. For students who benefit from one-on-one support, often as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Rider Assistants can be booked to join the ride, allowing the CareDriver to focus on the road while the student receives dedicated attention.
“I just love the kids in my Ride Series. It makes me happy that I can be the one to see them every day, and I know that they enjoy my rides. They let me know in their own ways,” said a local CareDriver from the Pittsburgh area.
A parent in the Pittsburgh area recently commented on their experience with HopSkipDrive: “Anytime I have an issue there is always someone available to help no matter what time of day it is. I never have to worry [my child] won’t have a ride, and I like how they communicate when my rider is picked up and dropped off. Great job!”
Here’s how HopSkipDrive works:
Our processes begin with a commitment to continuous refinement, informed by feedback from programs like the Caregiver Great Start Program, a new initiative dedicated to proactively engaging and educating caregivers of new riders with the tools and information they need from day one.
This dedicated support program proactively engages and educates caregivers of new riders, giving them the tools and information they need from day one.
School districts identify students to receive rides from CareDrivers and inform parents and caregivers.
Transportation officials then arrange rides directly through RideIQ, HopSkipDrive’s online ride management platform.
Once a ride has been booked, HopSkipDrive provides 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.
“Transportation should never be a barrier to a child’s education or well-being. Our platform is built on industry-leading technology and a commitment to safety that’s reflected in our exceptional safety record, giving schools and families the transparency and peace of mind they deserve. We’re thrilled to partner with Lewiston Public Schools and other local districts to offer a powerful and flexible solution for arranging reliable transportation, helping to ensure every student has access to the opportunities they need to thrive.”
—Joanna McFarland, Co-Founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive
Interested in learning more about how your district or school in Maine can partner with HopSkipDrive?
