HopSkipDrive Is Now Serving San Antonio

Safe, reliable rides for students to and from school are now available, expanding transportation options in the Alamo City

We’re excited to announce HopSkipDrive’s expansion into the San Antonio, Texas, area, where we look forward to helping even more school districts solve complex transportation challenges with safety, access, and care. This news builds on HopSkipDrive’s already significant presence across Texas, where for over five years we have supported schools and districts in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Midland, including Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Duncanville ISD, and Leander ISD. 

HopSkipDrive will be partnering with San Antonio schools and school districts to supplement school buses. Our network of highly vetted drivers in small vehicles (called CareDrivers) work alongside the yellow bus to get students to and from school safely and reliably. We help schools and districts solve challenges such as school bus driver shortages, and offer options for students who are hard to route on traditional school buses, including the rising numbers of students across San Antonio who experience homelessness. HopSkipDrive proudly supports more than 13,500 schools across the country.

CareDrivers are local caregivers from diverse backgrounds — including parents, grandparents, former educators, and healthcare professionals — who bring caregiving experience to every ride and rely on HopSkipDrive advanced Safe Ride Technology™ with over 50 safety products and features woven throughout the ride experience. 

HopSkipDrive also offers specialized services for local students throughout the city to access safe and reliable rides in wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These vehicles are operated by local professionals, called CarePartners, who are specifically trained to meet heightened needs. Additionally, Rider Assistants are available to support students who may benefit from having an extra adult in the vehicle, often those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). To enhance safety for younger riders, HopSkipDrive’s car seat program is also available for students whose height and weight, typically between the ages of four to six, require a car seat.

How HopSkipDrive Works

Here’s a quick overview of how HopSkipDrive works for any curious students, caregivers, or school districts in San Antonio:

• 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 are 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 riders will receive updates, including pickup times, live ride tracking, and CareDriver information, via text message and through the HopSkipDrive app.

Interested in Joining the Network of San Antonio Area CareDrivers? 

Experienced caregivers looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities can apply to become a CareDriver on HopSkipDrive’s website. Eligible drivers can earn up to $50 per ride and must have at least five years of prior caregiving experience. They must also complete the HopSkipDrive 15-point certification process before their first ride.