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SEARCHFour new safety initiatives look to make HopSkipDrive’s services safer for drivers and riders alike, using data trends and defined protocols to reach this goal.
HopSkipDrive is setting new protocols for drop-offs requiring a responsible adult present to make the process of picking up and dropping off students clearer for all involved.
Photo: HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is improving its student transportation services by introducing four new safety initiatives.
The four initiatives, announced today, are designed to enhance the company’s commitment to safe, reliable student transportation and to improve critical aspects of student transportation safety.
Its sixth annual Safety Report highlighted that 99.7% of rides in 2024 were completed without a safety-related concern, reinforcing HopSkipDrive’s introduction of the safety measures.
“These innovations reflect our data-driven approach in continuously improving the student transportation experience from end-to-end,” said Jen Brandenburger, SVP of safety at HopSkipDrive. “Each initiative addresses a specific aspect of our platform, but together they represent our holistic approach to safety and our commitment to relentlessly raising the bar.”
The four new initiatives are:
CareDriver Trends
Improved Must be Met Process
Customized Trauma-Informed Training with The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
A Dedicated Rider Support Line
The CareDrivers Trends initiative replaces the previous weekly success cards with comprehensive metrics on cancellations, on-time arrivals, missed check-ins, telematics scores, and more. This data is available whenever CareDrivers need it, directly within the app.
The new CareDriver Trends section of the HopSkipDrive app helps drivers understand where they can improve and how to implement better safety practices.
Photo: HopSkipDrive
CareDriver Trends is located in a new dashboard and consolidates safety and experience indicators into an easy-to-understand trends rating. It helps CareDrivers further improve their safety and receive actionable insights into their driving behavior.
When rides require a responsible adult to be present at drop-off, HopSkipDrive is introducing an update that will bring more structured protocols and greater clarity and consistency for parents, school staff, and CareDrivers.
Ride organizers will be able to define authorized individual groups and select specific verification requirements, while simplified protocol options for both ride organizers and authorized responsible adults at drop-off will appear in the Ride Organizer and CareDriver apps.
In a new partnership with NOVA, HopSkipDrive is implementing specialized trauma-informed training for Trust & Safety and Safe Ride Support teams.
NOVA brings over 45 years of experience and expertise in compassionate care and support to help further strengthen HopSkipDrive’s ability to serve students with diverse needs. These new training courses will begin later this year.
Beginning with a pilot program in the Bay Area, the dedicated rider support line will provide riders access to the Safe Ride Support team through a text message before each ride. The message will contain a phone number they can call if needed.
Riders can connect directly with a team member who can provide immediate assistance, offer guidance during the ride, or help resolve any issues that may arise. The pilot will expand to additional areas throughout the year.
These initiatives are built on a fundamental belief that innovation in safety is about more than metrics; it also involves unlocking educational access and opportunity.
HopSkipDrive is trying to strengthen the bridge connecting students to their potential with each new feature, program, and protocol enhancement. These initiatives build upon the company’s 50+ existing safety products and features and reflect the reality that reliable transportation is foundational to ensuring students have access to educational opportunities.
The company's CEO was named to a prominent female founders list!
Photo: HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive’s Co-founder and CEO Joanna McFarland also made headlines recently, earning a place on Inc.’s 2025 Female Founders 500 list.
“This recognition reflects the meaningful impact our team has created in communities throughout the country,” said McFarland. “Every day, we’re removing transportation barriers for students across the 10,000+ schools we proudly serve, helping them access educational opportunities they might otherwise miss. While I’m honored to be included among these remarkable founders, the real achievement is seeing how our technology and network of caregivers on wheels helps improve access for students, alleviate stress for families, and unlock new efficiencies for school districts nationwide.”
Under her leadership, HopSkipDrive has facilitated over five million rides across 95 million miles, supporting over 10,000 schools in 17 states with more than 600 school district partners since the company was founded in 2014.
The company saw a 300% ride increase across its marketplace and grew its client base by more than 50% in the 2023-2024 academic year.
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