HopSkipDrive App is Rideshare Program for Kids
HopSkipDrive is a new rideshare program for busy parents
Photo: HopSkipDrive Facebook
If you need a stress-free way to get your kids to their after-school activities, but can’t find any other parents to take them, then HopSkipDrive is the new app for you. This California-based company is a ridesharing service for children that will take your kids where they need to go, no matter when or where.
Is your first reaction a big, “Heck no!” because, you know, stranger danger and that kind of thing? Yeah, you’re not alone—but HopSkipDrive rigorously screens and continually monitors its drivers. These drivers also have to have a minimum of five years of childcare experience, according to a report from TechCrunch.
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Along with this minimum experience requirement, drivers also need to pass a 15-step screening process. They must have no criminal or sex offender record, a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and be 23-years-old or older. They also must own or lease a vehicle that is no more than 10 years old that can also seat four to seven passengers. Each of these vehicles must pass a vehicle inspection certified by a mechanic. The drivers also have to have an in-person meeting with a member of the HopSkipDrive team, complete in-person driver training, adopt the company’s no drinking, smoking, or drugs while driving policy, and must have their own auto insurance coverage.
As if that’s not enough, they also must never touch any electronic device while driving.
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So, while it might be a bit uncomfortable leaving your kid’s transportation at the mercy of a stranger, HopSkipDrive goes through a lot to ensure that your child will be as safe as possible. That’s probably because the creators are three California-based moms.
The app isn’t on-demand like Uber. Instead, users must pre-select the time and schedule a driver for pickup. The kids must have a secret password to make sure the right driver is picking them up and parents can see where their children are heading thanks to the GPS-tracking section of the app.
Currently, the app is only available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County; the latter of which began operations back in April. It will be interesting to see if it becomes popular enough to span to other regions.
News Source: TechCrunch
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