HopSkipDrive, an alternative transportation provider, announced its expansion into the Atlanta region on Dec. 10.

According to the company's news release, recent regulatory changes now enable school districts in the state to utilize small-vehicle transportation. This allows schools to enhance their mobility options with alternative transportation providers working alongside yellow buses to help solve bus driver shortages and address others issues like chronic absenteeism.

“We gladly welcome HopSkipDrive to Atlanta and hope to form a game-changing collaboration that will help bridge a critical transportation gap and ensure all our youth have dependable access to the post-secondary education and career opportunities they need to thrive,” Kristi Singletary, program director of The nsoro Educational Foundation, said.

"We're thrilled to share that HopSkipDrive will soon be available in Atlanta, offering a simple solution that we’ve seen significantly transforms the lives of students and communities: access to safe, reliable rides,” said Joanna McFarland, CEO and co-founder of HopSkipDrive. “Our industry-leading technology and unparalleled approach to safety, including extensive driver vetting, gives parents and schools peace of mind and a solution to the significant transportation needs in the area."

Recently, Detroit Public Schools Community District saw a 14% decrease in chronic absenteeism when it implemented several solutions, including partnering with HopSkipDrive. And Riverside County Office of Education in California reported that after using HopSkipDrive, attendance for students in foster care went from 29% to over 78%.

The company’s AI-powered solution, RouteWise AI, further steps in to help provide solutions.

HopSkipDrive supports more than 10,000 schools nationwide and works with more than 600 school districts, and organizations in 13 states. "CareDrivers" can provide rides in as little as six hours. The company says its solution is especially helpful to those experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or with disabilities.

CareDrivers must have at least five years of caregiving experience and pass a 15-point certification process. Once the service is available in Atlanta, drivers can sign up online.