HopSkipDrive Releases Comprehensive 2024 Safety Report, Highlighting Key Innovations and Milestones
HopSkipDrive, a leading technology company dedicated to solving complex transportation challenges with a focus on safety, equity, and care, has officially released its sixth annual Safety Report. This comprehensive document outlines key safety metrics, technological advancements, and policy initiatives that continue to set new industry standards for student transportation.
The 2024 Safety Report reveals that an impressive 99.697% of rides were completed without any safety concerns. This improvement comes despite increased ride volume, as HopSkipDrive expanded its services to more than 1,000 school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. In 2024 alone, HopSkipDrive facilitated over 1.7 million safe rides, covering more than 34 million miles.
As we enter our second decade of operations, our founding commitment to safety has never been stronger,” said Joanna McFarland, CEO and Co-founder of HopSkipDrive. “While completing 34 million safe miles last year marks a significant milestone, we see it as a foundation for even more robust safety protocols and standards. Every ride represents a student’s opportunity, and we’re committed to protecting each one.
The Impact of HopSkipDrive’s Safety Initiatives
HopSkipDrive remains the first and only company in the student transportation industry to publish comprehensive safety data on an annual basis. This commitment to transparency underscores the company’s dedication to continuous improvement and accountability.
With over 50 safety products, features, and initiatives working in tandem, HopSkipDrive has built multiple layers of protection into every ride. These measures include:
- Safe Ride InSight™: AI-powered dashcam recording technology with advanced telematics to monitor driving behavior in real time.
- Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Support: Specialized training and verification processes to ensure consistent safety standards for riders with disabilities, now active in more than 10 cities.
- Enhanced CareDriver Video Screening: Strengthened as part of the company’s rigorous 15-point certification process.
- Improved Safety Alerts and Live Ride Monitoring: An expanded Safe Ride Support® team ensures real-time monitoring and rapid response to ride anomalies.
- Expanded Caregiver Notifications: Enhanced technology detects and communicates key ride events, such as unexpected stops, route deviations, and collisions.
- Daily Queue in RideIQ: A new feature designed to streamline school staff workflows and improve efficiency during car line pickups.
- In-App Digital ID for CareDrivers: A feature allowing drivers to seamlessly identify themselves to school staff upon arrival, ensuring smoother handoffs.
Commitment to Safety Leadership
HopSkipDrive’s commitment to safety is reinforced by its growing team of experts. Under the leadership of Jen Brandenburger, who joined the company in mid-2024, HopSkipDrive has expanded its safety organization to include more than a dozen dedicated Trust & Safety professionals. They work in conjunction with nearly 70 Safe Ride Support specialists nationwide, ensuring that every ride receives real-time oversight and expert intervention when necessary.
The company’s safety leadership also extends to advocacy for industry-wide improvements. Recognizing the ongoing challenges in student transportation, including a national school bus driver shortage, HopSkipDrive actively engages with policymakers and school districts to shape regulations that prioritize both flexibility and accountability. The company has consistently advocated for standardized background checks, driver training enhancements, and greater regulatory transparency.
The Future of Safe Student Transportation
Looking ahead, HopSkipDrive remains committed to advancing student transportation safety. In the coming months, the company plans to introduce additional safety products and initiatives that will further enhance ride monitoring, driver verification, and caregiver communication.
HopSkipDrive’s technology-driven approach to transportation is helping to address some of the most pressing challenges in education today. As school districts face budget constraints, bus driver shortages, and the need for sustainable transportation solutions, HopSkipDrive’s innovations provide a reliable alternative to traditional busing.
About HopSkipDrive
Founded in 2014 by three working mothers, HopSkipDrive is a technology company dedicated to modernizing the $30 billion school transportation industry. The company offers two core solutions:
- A Care-Centered Transportation Marketplace: Connecting students with highly vetted CareDrivers, including caregivers such as grandparents, babysitters, and nurses.
- RouteWise AI™ Routing Software: Industry-leading technology that helps schools optimize transportation operations, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability goals.
To date, HopSkipDrive has facilitated more than five million rides, covering over 95 million miles across 17 states. The company partners with more than 600 school districts, helping to ensure that students have safe and reliable access to education.