HopSkipDrive Blog
How changing bell times are affecting school transportation
Learn about how changing school bell times are affecting school transportation operations, and explore some best practices and potential solutions.
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- HopSkipDrive
The dangers of distracted driving: Staying safe on the road
Learn about the impact and dangers of distracted driving, and review some safe driving tips that can help you — and everyone else — stay safe on the road.
Read More +- Author:
- Karen Sampson
A HopSkipDrive ride: From booking to drop-off
We've outlined the steps of a HopSkipDrive ride from booking to drop-off so first-time users can get familiar with our safety-driven ride experience.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
Interested in learning more about HopSkipDrive’s non-routine student transportation solution?
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How HopSkipDrive can help during the COVID-19 outbreak
From ensuring IEP students attend necessary appointments to helping students access meal programs, HopSkipDrive is here to help schools, districts and families during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
HopSkipDrive updates on COVID-19
The latest update and information about how COVID-19 is affecting the HopSkipDrive community and the safety and support initiatives we’re taking.
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- Aylin Cook
How the George Pocock Rowing Foundation and HopSkipDrive help all kids access an elite sport
Rowing is an elite sport, and kids who want to row not only need the required gear, they also need access to a boathouse and a way to get to practice. The Seattle area boasts seven boathouses, but they’re not easy for every athlete to get to. After less than ideal experiences with cab companies, the Pocock Foundation partnered with HopSkipDrive to get these student athletes safely where they need to be.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
![[Infographic] HopSkipDrive: Safety in Numbers](https://www.hopskipdrive.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Infographic_Header-1.png)
[Infographic] HopSkipDrive: Safety in Numbers
HopSkipDrive’s #1 priority is — and has always been — safety. We don’t just talk about it… we live it. Here, we share the results of our industry-leading safety measures.
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- Aylin Cook
Five questions with the HopSkipDrive Safety Advisory Board
In order to continue to innovate with our safety policies and procedures, we’ve brought in a team of experts. The members of our Safety Advisory Board have decades of experience in safety and youth transportation and their insights are extremely valuable to HopSkipDrive. We sat down with the board and asked them each five important questions about safety and innovation. Watch and learn from their expertise!
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- Aylin Cook
Meet Greg C.: From 911 dispatcher to Safe Ride Support Team Member
Former 911 dispatcher Greg C. joined HopSkipDrive’s Safe Ride Support team one year ago. Learn more about how what safety means to him, why he changed careers to join HopSkipDrive, and how he balances his work with being a volunteer firefighter.
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- Aylin Cook
Meet Mike Morrissey: From Elementary School Teacher to Regional Account Manager
Mike Morrissey spent his youth going to several rehearsals and teaching theater to young students. Now, he puts all his double major to use by helping clients as an Account Executive at HopSkipDrive.
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- Aylin Cook
Why HopSkipDrive is not “Uber for kids” (or “Lyft for kids”)
HopSkipDrive is not ‘Uber for kids’ or ‘Lyft for kids.’ Our solution is specifically designed to arrange transportation for children ages 6+.
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- Aylin Cook
HopSkipDrive raises $22M in funding to help create opportunity through mobility
HopSkipDrive just raised $22 million in funding. We’ll use the capital to expand to new markets where we can help even more children reach their highest potential by creating access to opportunity through improved mobility, while continuing our safety innovation and product development.
Read More +- Author:
- Joanna McFarland
![[Checklist] What to consider when evaluating alternative transportation solutions](https://www.hopskipdrive.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Checklist-1.jpg)
[Checklist] What to consider when evaluating alternative transportation solutions
If you’re evaluating partners to help with your alternative transportation needs, use this checklist to ensure you ask the right questions.
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- Aylin Cook
Why the Washington Post says we need to rethink school transportation (and how alternative solutions are helping)
School transportation is the largest mass transit system in the U.S., but it doesn’t work for every student. The Washington Post published an article on the challenges of youth transportation, and how alternative solutions like HopSkipDrive are changing the industry.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
Lucky 13: The Buzz About HopSkipDrive’s Las Vegas Launch
Launching consumer service in Las Vegas & partnering with Clark County to help provide a transportation solution for youth in foster care.
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- Aylin Cook
How we can help with the post-Winter Break increase in student transportation needs
Changes over Winter Break in the numbers of McKinney-Vento designated students and youth in foster care present routing challenges going into the second semester. Learn how we can help with new and immediate student transportation needs.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
Meet Lauren Rueger: From School Counselor to Marketing Manager
Meet Marketing Manager Lauren Rueger. A former school counselor, Lauren shares her journey in the education world, why she’s passionate about advocating for children, and how she brings that expertise into her role at HopSkipDrive.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
My personal experience with the child welfare system
HopSkipDrive VP of Strategic Partnerships Qiana Patterson shares her personal experience in the child welfare system.
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- Qiana Patterson
Meet Jon Hanover: From School Founder and Educator to HopSkipDrive VP of Marketplace
Meet HopSkipDrive VP of Marketplace Jon Hanover. With years of experience in education — everything from consulting to launching a new elementary school — he brings a unique perspective to our safe youth transportation solution.
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- Aylin Cook
Why over half our team comes from the education space
HopSkipDrive hires experienced educators to help design school transportation solutions. Their insights, empathy, and understanding help us create a product that works for many unique situations.
Read More +- Author:
- Miriam Ravkin
Meet Melissa Serio: From school principal to HopSkipDrive’s Driver Programs Manager
Meet HopSkipDrive Driver Programs Manager Melissa Serio. With years of experience in education — from Teach for America to serving as a junior high school principal — she helps CareDrivers better understand the unique needs of our riders.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
MMA Global Innovate: Joanna McFarland on the Future of Mobile
In this MMA Global Innovate session, Joanna McFarland explored the way HopSkipDrive shapes the lives of underserved communities, and transforms children's lives, by providing safe transportation.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
From 3 moms to a million rides: HopSkipDrive turns 5!
HopSkipDrive turns five! Since 2014, we’ve grown from 3 women to 100+ employees in 12 markets and 9 states serving over 180 schools in 14 counties across the country.
Read More +- Author:
- Joanna McFarland
Reliable school-of-origin transportation helps foster youth graduate with honors
HopSkipDrive enabled reliable school-of-origin transportation for Georgina, a youth in foster care, helping her to graduate with honors.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
HopSkipDrive student success story: Meet “OD” and Azul
Hear how HopSkipDrive helped two students thrive at the multimedia careers academy at their high school in these student success story videos.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
HopSkipDrive launches Safety Advisory Board to drive safety innovation
HopSkipDrive is a leader in youth transportation safety, constantly working to innovate and optimize safety initiatives. That’s why we brought together some of the foremost thought leaders in transportation safety for the inaugural HopSkipDrive Safety Advisory Board.
Read More +- Author:
- Corey McMahon
Joanna McFarland on safety and the courage to innovate
HopSkipDrive CEO Joanna McFarland talks driver safety, the courage to innovate new safety features and our safety standards.
Read More +- Author:
- Miriam Ravkin
HopSkipDrive brings safe youth transportation to Dallas-Fort Worth
Hello, Metroplex! HopSkipDrive is proud to announce that CareDrivers are out on the road serving Dallas-Fort Worth area families and schools.
Read More +- Author:
- Miriam Ravkin
L.A. County reports on foster pilot with HopSkipDrive
Los Angeles County reported on Foster Youth Stability Pilot, including success of alternative school transportation solutions in keeping students in school of origin.
Read More +- Author:
- Miriam Ravkin
HopSkipDrive brings safe, reliable kid transportation to Seattle
HopSkipDrive brings its safe youth transportation solution to the Seattle area, and with it relief for busy families who are struggling to get their kids to school, soccer practice, and more. HopSkipDrive also supports Seattle school and district communities with non-routine pupil transportation needs.
Read More +- Author:
- Miriam Ravkin
The Benefits of Driving Kids with HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive CareDrivers earn more money at times when other part time driving jobs have less pay and lower demand. Learn more about the benefits of driving kids and how you can become a driver with HopSkipDrive.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
HopSkipDrive brings safe, reliable kid transportation to Houston
We’re delighted to announce our arrival in Houston. HopSkipDrive CareDrivers are already busy serving Houston area families and schools, driving kids to and from school, football practice, dentist appointments, and more.
Read More +- Author:
- Aylin Cook
Mobility barriers and the illusion of school choice
Barriers to transportation and mobility make school choice complex - how HopSkipDrive can help.
Read More +- Author:
- Jon Hanover
HopSkipDrive’s Corey McMahon on Platform Players Podcast
HopSkipDrive’s own Corey McMahon headlines the latest Platform Players podcast entitled Designing the Future of Trust.
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- Support Team
CareDriver of the Month – John L.
The best thing about being a Caregiver is the interactions I have with these kids. After they get acquainted with you, they seem to be happy to see you and know they are in safe hands, which I appreciate.
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- Support Team
Power User Corner: New Search Feature
We're committed to simplifying transportation logistics for our partners. The new search feature on our updated booking platform makes planning and scheduling trips for students more convenient than ever.
Read More +- Author:
- Alex Parsons
CareDriver of the Month: Trenae D.
“I enjoy when kids sit in the front seat and make small talk with me. I understand riding with a stranger can be scary for some kids, so it makes me more comfortable and enjoy the ride more.”
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- Support Team
Safety Spotlight: Meet our Safe Ride Support Team
Close your eyes and imagine commercial air travel without air traffic controllers. Would it make you feel more safe or less safe to know that human experience and judgment had been removed from the equation that keeps planes separated from each other in the air and on the ground? Safe Ride Support is HopSkipDrive’s “ground traffic control.”
Read More +- Author:
- Miriam Ravkin
No More Driving? No Problem! HopSkipDrive is Here for Senior Citizens
HopSkipDrive helps senior citizens gain independence through mobility.
Read More +- Author:
- Joanna McFarland
The Value of Mobility in One Student’s Life
“I was so happy! I felt like everything that I was doing had paid off, the late nights, homework, projects and effort, especially with the complexity of my home life. The fact that I got chosen to go to such a prestigious school, especially on an academic scholarship, is amazing,” said Randee.
Read More +- Author:
- Qiana Patterson
Power User Corner: Introducing HopSkipDrive’s New Booking Platform for Schools
HopSkipDrive rolled out a slick new technology platform built specifically for schools, districts, counties and nonprofits.
Read More +- Author:
- Alex Parsons
CareDriver of the Month: Lisa S.
I love meeting and connecting with people everywhere I go! Over the past year that I have been a CD in Denver, I have enjoyed getting to know the other CD's, riders and sometimes even meeting the parents or organizers. Everyone that I have encountered has been extremely appreciative of my time and the service.
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- Support Team