HopSkipDrive is partnering with Pittsburgh Public Schools to offer its alternative transportation solution to students. 

This expansion grows HopSkipDrive's operating area in Pennsylvania, where it also partners with Philadelphia-area districts and schools, including Baldwin-Whitehall School District. 

HopSkipDrive’s marketplace arranges care-centered transportation, connecting kids, older adults, or anyone needing extra support to caregivers on wheels – CareDrivers – who are parents, grandparents, nurses, babysitters, and other experienced caregivers from the community. CareDrivers, who have a minimum of five years of caregiving experience, undergo a certification and vetting process. 

Here’s how the program works: 

• School districts identify students to receive rides from CareDrivers and inform parents and caregivers. 

• Transportation officials will then arrange rides through HopSkipDrive’s online platform. 

• Once a ride has been booked, HopSkipDrive delivers ride details to organizers, parents and caregivers. 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.

“We’re thrilled to be launching in Pittsburgh this year, to ensure that school districts and families have access to the reliable rides HopSkipDrive is known for across the country, as well as our industry-leading technology and unparalleled approach to safety,”  

“We know school transportation leaders are looking for additional solutions that offer safe, reliable transportation. CareDrivers are experienced caregivers from the Pittsburgh community, who undergo thorough vetting to ensure that children will be safe in their back seats,” said Joanna McFarland, CEO and co-founder of HopSkipDrive.