HopSkipDrive, a technology company specializing in innovative school transportation solutions with a focus on safety, equity, and care, has announced its expansion into the Atlanta region. Recent changes to Georgia’s State Board of Education regulations now allow school districts across the state, including Atlanta, to leverage small vehicle transportation. This update provides schools with new mobility options, complementing traditional yellow buses to address challenges such as driver shortages and transportation inefficiencies that contribute to chronic absenteeism.
Supporting over 10,000 schools nationwide, HopSkipDrive partners with more than 600 school districts, nonprofits, and government agencies in 13 states. The company connects districts with highly vetted local drivers operating small vehicles, offering flexible transportation solutions that can adapt to varying needs. With a six-hour turnaround time—the fastest in the industry—HopSkipDrive provides an efficient and scalable service for students whose needs are not met by standard school bus routes. This includes students experiencing homelessness, those in foster care, and individuals with disabilities.
The impact of HopSkipDrive’s services is evident in districts like Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), which saw a 14-percentage-point drop in chronic absenteeism after implementing transportation solutions, including HopSkipDrive. Similarly, the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) in California reported a significant improvement in attendance for foster care students, with rates increasing from 29% to over 78%.
In addition to its ride services, HopSkipDrive offers RouteWise AI™, an AI-powered transportation optimization tool designed to address critical challenges such as on-time arrivals, budget constraints, and evolving school policies.
“Transportation barriers should never stand between a young person and their postsecondary goals,” said Kristi Singletary, program director of The nsoro Educational Foundation. Since 2005, nsoro has supported youth aging out of foster care, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to achieve financial independence and academic success.
“We gladly welcome HopSkipDrive to Atlanta and look forward to a transformative collaboration that bridges critical transportation gaps,” Singletary added. “This partnership will ensure that all youth have reliable access to the educational and career opportunities they need to thrive.”
Joanna McFarland, CEO and Co-founder of HopSkipDrive, shared her enthusiasm for the Atlanta expansion: “We’re excited to bring HopSkipDrive to Atlanta, offering a solution that has proven to transform lives and communities. Our advanced technology and rigorous safety standards, including extensive driver vetting, provide parents and schools with peace of mind while addressing significant transportation needs in the region.