HopSkipDrive, an alternative transportation solution for school districts, families, counties, and government agencies, announced it is launching in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2014, HopSkipDrive now operates in 20 major markets across 10 states and Washington, D.C., and has contracts with more than 300 school districts across the country.

The company aims to alleviate some of the many transportation challenges faced by families and schools in the Philadelphia area getting children where they need to go.

Joanna McFarland, co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive said: “I’m thrilled to bring HopSkipDrive to families and schools in Philadelphia. As a busy mom of two, I knew parents across the country related to the struggle to balance career and transporting children and am happy to bring HopSkipDrive to the families that need us. I’m also excited to support schools and districts with their transportation needs.”

Parents and caregivers in the Philadelphia area can use the HopSkipDrive app to request rides with “CareDrivers” — each of whom has undergone background checks and have a required five years of caregiving experience — for children who are at least six.

Rides can be reserved as little as eight hours in advance or by 7 p.m. the night before for morning rides. Parents can customize ride instructions and provide details about such things as carpool lines, pickup and drop-off notes, and sign-in/out requests.

Before the ride, parents receive a photo profile of their driver, which they can share with their child and their school. During the ride, parents receive progress alerts at each step. HopSkipDrive’s Safe Ride Support team continuously tracks every ride, proactively addressing potential issues and maintaining direct communication with parents and drivers.

The company Is actively seeking drivers in the Philadelphia area. Benefits of driving in the HopSkipDrive platform include competitive pay up to $40/hour and a flexible schedule.

HopSkipDrive serves schools, districts, and families nationwide as a solution to simplify specialized transportation for students — including those with IEPs, youth who are experiencing homelessness or are in foster care, and students with special needs.

Besides serving families, HopSkipDrive will partner with schools and districts in the Philadelphia area to fulfill school transportation needs.