SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

HopSkipDrive Raises $25M to Expand Operations, Invest in Vehicle Electrification

The funding will be used to support 30 new market launches and vehicle electrification initiatives for the company, which provides customized transportation service to children.

by SBF Staff
August 11, 2021
HopSkipDrive Raises $25M to Expand Operations, Invest in Vehicle Electrification

HopSkipDrive has raised $25 million to invest in vehicle electrification initiatives and expand its operations, which provide customized transportation service to children.

Photo courtesy HopSkipDrive

2 min to read


Child ridesharing company HopSkipDrive has raised $25 million to expand its operations, which provide customized transportation service to children.

The funding, from Energy Impact Partners, Keyframe Capital, FirstMark Capital, and 1776 Ventures, will support various expansion projects, including vehicle electrification initiatives and 30 new market launches, according to a news release from HopSkipDrive.

Ad Loading...

“School transportation is the largest mass transit system in the U.S., and it’s reaching a breaking point,” said Joanna McFarland, co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive. “With critical bus driver shortages and increased individualized needs, school districts are being forced to optimize learning around logistics. We are reshaping school transportation by complementing traditional yellow bus solutions so districts can instead optimize their logistics around learning.”

Founded in 2014, HopSkipDrive has partnered with over 300 schools, school districts, and counties in nine states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Washington, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. region.

Currently, 19% of HopSkipDrive's vehicles are hybrid or electric vehicles (EVs). In Seattle, one of HopSkipDrive’s largest markets, over 40% of HopSkipDrive's vehicles are hybrid or EVs.

“We are excited and proud to lead this funding round. As a VC fund specializing in the clean energy transition, we believe in HopSkipDrive’s mission and the way green initiatives are at the forefront of what they do,” said Cassie Bowe, principal of Energy Impact Partners. “HopSkipDrive is creating a nationwide student transportation platform that is not only reshaping school transportation to bring more equitable access to education, but also creating an accelerated path to electrification.”

More Management

the contractor of the year award logo on an orange background with confetti
Managementby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Contractor of the Year

We're looking for an amazing school bus contractor executive who embodies dedication, excellence, and innovation. Nominate the greats you know for SBF's 2026 award! Nominations close March 31.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 2, 2026

Honoring Heroes Behind the Wheel: Award Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the second annual 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Award. Help us honor the drivers who selflessly dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of the students they transport every day.

Read More →
two men stand in front of a school bus in tennessee
ManagementJanuary 30, 2026

A New Chapter for Tennessee Pupil Transportation: A Vision Grounded in Service, Partnership, and Purpose

Check in with Tennessee’s new state transportation manager, Josh Hinerman, as he reflects on his journey, path to leadership, and priorities for student-centered transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A b2x rewards logo and graphic reading "Read. Learn. Earn."
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards for School Transportation Professionals

The new program rewards B2B audience readers for engaging with trusted content and suppliers, earning them points toward events, travel, and more.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 29, 2026

8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations

What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.

Read More →
Headshots of Heather Free, Regional Director for NAPT Region 3, and Frank Marasco, Regional Director for NAPT Region 6, displayed with NAPT election results graphic.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 28, 2026

NAPT Announces Two New 2026 Regional Directors

NAPT announced the results of its 2026 special election, naming new regional directors for Regions 3 and 6.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
School Bus Fleet graphic about building better school board relationships, featuring a blurred boardroom meeting.
Managementby Bret E. BrooksJanuary 28, 2026

Building Stronger Partnerships: How School Transportation Can Improve Relationships With School Boards

Strong communication and trust between transportation leaders and school boards are essential to safe, effective operations. Here’s how to build a better partnership.

Read More →
Graphic for NAPT Love the Bus Month reading “Education, Delivered,” with a yellow school bus icon, heart graphics, and the text “February 2026” on a light background.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 27, 2026

NAPT Releases 2026 Love the Bus Toolkit

Get ready to promote our industry's favorite month of the year! Gear up to recognize Love the Bus Month with these new resources.

Read More →
headshot of eric boule and text next to it that says "five questions with eric boule micro bird" and the school bus fleet logo
ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

5 Questions: Inside Micro Bird’s Market Growth

Let’s check in with the Canadian manufacturer with a new U.S. presence! Hear first-hand about Micro Bird’s expansion and the company’s long-term North American vision.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two young students wait at a bus top while a school bus drives up with text reading "Biz Briefs."
Managementby StaffJanuary 21, 2026

School Bus Business Briefs: Tech Updates & Industry Recognition

From software updates to AI video search, major contracts, and global ratings, here’s the latest school bus supplier and OEM news.

Read More →