School Bus Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

HopSkipDrive Raises $22M, Expands Operations

The funding will be used to expand HopSkipDrive's operations, which provide customized transportation service to children. The company also launches its service in Las Vegas.

February 10, 2020
HopSkipDrive Raises $22M, Expands Operations

HopSkipDrive has raised $22 million to expand its operations, which provide customized transportation service to children. The company has also launched its operations in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy HopSkipDrive

2 min to read


HopSkipDrive has raised $22 million to expand its operations, which provide customized transportation service to children. The company has also launched its operations in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy HopSkipDrive

LOS ANGELES — Child ridesharing company HopSkipDrive has raised $22 million to expand its operations, which provide customized transportation service to children.

The funding, from Cyrus Capital Partners, State Farm Ventures, and some of HopSkipDrive’s existing investors has brought the company’s total venture capital backing to $44 million, according to a news release from HopSkipDrive.

Ad Loading...

“This funding will help us expand into more markets where the lack of safe, reliable transportation is a barrier to children reaching their full potential,” said Joanna McFarland, co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive. “We’ve helped thousands of students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or with other special circumstances, get to and from school and extracurricular activities, and we’ve seen how something as simple as a ride can make the difference between struggle and success. Each new market means we’re bringing opportunity to more children.”

Founded in 2014, HopSkipDrive has partnered with over 200 schools, school districts, and counties in eight states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. region. More recently, in January, the company announced its expansion to Las Vegas and its partnership with Clark County Child Welfare Services to help students in foster care get to and from school.

“HopSkipDrive is solving a major problem within school transportation, the country’s largest mass transit system, and doing it in a unique way that creates wins for kids, school districts, and communities,” said John Rapaport, partner at Cyrus Capital, one of HopSkipDrive's investors. “Their technological innovation, strong leadership, and proven expansion strategy keep them moving in an upward trajectory. We’re proud to invest in HopSkipDrive’s continued success.

More Management

thumbnail for the route season 2 episode 9 featuring photos of bret brooks and amanda huggett
ManagementSeptember 15, 2026

How to Build a Better Driver Training Program

Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.

Read More →
Catalyst Mobility: Building Clean Transportation Together
Managementby Alex RomanSeptember 14, 2026

CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility

The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.

Read More →
School bus driver training graphic featuring a group gathered around a yellow school bus, with text reading, “Tips for Selecting Superb School Bus Driver Instructors.”
Managementby Amanda HuggettSeptember 14, 2026

What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?

Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Compton Unified School District transportation staff stand between two yellow school buses, including a small bus and a full-size conventional bus.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsSeptember 11, 2026

School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships

STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.

Read More →
A line up of school buses with one out front of the group.
Managementby Elora HaynesSeptember 7, 2026

Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families

A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.

Read More →
Graphic that reads “What I Learned About Leadership” over photos of school transportation professionals participating in discussions and networking at the TAPT leadership event.
ManagementSeptember 4, 2026

From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT

A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic announcing the 2026 NAPT Award Winners, featuring the National Association for Pupil Transportation logo on a blue background with gold stars.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseSeptember 3, 2026

NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee

Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.

Read More →
Zonar Cover for White Paper Survey Results for 2026 State of Student Transportation
SponsoredSeptember 2, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.

Read More →
Graphic reading “Managing Others’ Anger: Keeping Your Cool When Tempers Are High,” alongside a red balloon with an angry face against a stormy background.
Managementby Amanda HuggettSeptember 1, 2026

How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict

What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Image of happy school children exiting their school bus
SponsoredSeptember 1, 2026

What Readiness Looks Like This School Year

Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.

Read More →