HopSkipDrive is expanding its safety technology with a new software-based ride-recording feature and a web tool that lets caregivers track students' trips in real time.

The alternative transportation provider just announced the launch of Ride Recording: In-App, which adds to HopSkipDrive’s existing ride recording capabilities. The launch joins the new “Track My Ride” web interface, designed to increase visibility and transparency.

According to a release, 100% of rides this fall will feature Ride Recording: In-App across all HopSkipDrive markets. This addition will enhance the company’s dashcam recording system by using the native camera capabilities of the driver’s smartphone. However, to meet the needs of every district partner, HopSkipDrive will continue to offer in-ride dashcams for districts that require them.

“By integrating directly into the device drivers already use for real-time navigation and ride management, Ride Recording: In App enables HopSkipDrive to consistently improve the software while preventing driver intervention or access,” the company wrote. Drivers have zero access to the files, and all footage is automatically wiped from the device after the ride.

“At the end of the day, student transportation is built on trust,” said Joanna McFarland, co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive. “By introducing Ride Recording: In-App and Track My Ride, we are reinforcing that trust with even greater real-time visibility and a clear record of every journey.”

This software-based technology allows HopSkipDrive to scale this feature across districts while meeting interior recording requirements for students of all needs without the expense or process of retrofitting an entire fleet with physical hardware.

The footage is captured via a direct system that extends visibility to school districts and HopSkipsDrive’s Safe Ride Support team, which provides human eyes on every ride.

HopSkipDrive Introduces Track My Ride Web-Based Trip Tracking

In addition to Ride Recording: In-App, HopSkipDrive announced Track My Ride, giving riders a link to track their journey in real time. Since some students rely on wearables, smartwatches, or school- or government-issued devices that don’t allow app installations, this addition improves accessibility for viewing driver/ride details.

Track My Ride fosters digital equity by providing secure, masked SMS links that open in a standard web view. According to a release, this removes the need for app downloads and manual staff coordination, resulting in a less stressful pickup experience for riders, caregivers, and school staff. Track My Ride also ensures that caregivers no longer need to share their account credentials or the caregiver-specific permissions within that app.

“We want our partners to have the most reliable safety features available, along with the administrative tools that actually make their jobs easier,” McFarland said.