HopSkipDrive
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Ridesharing |
| Founded | May 2015 |
| Founders | Joanna McFarland, Janelle McGlothlin, Carolyn Yashari Becher |
Area served | 13 U.S. states |
| Products | Transportation services for children and senior adults |
| Website | hopskipdrive |
HopSkipDrive is a ridesharing company focused on providing transportation services tailored for children and senior adults, operating within 13 states across the United States. Its main clientele includes school-aged children who have IEPs, those protected under the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act, or children placed in foster care, groups often unable to utilize conventional vehicle for hire options. This service acts as a supplement to established school bus networks.
Access to the platform is available for school districts through Ride IQ, while parents can engage with the service via a mobile app. The driver pool is largely composed of women possessing at least five years of experience in childcare.
History
The concept originated in 2013 when Joanna McFarland and Janelle McGlothlin envisioned employing seasoned caregivers as drivers for children. They later joined forces with Carolyn Yashari Becher, an ex-real estate attorney, to establish the company.
The official launch occurred in May 2015. By January 2016, HopSkipDrive had raised $10.2 million during its Series A funding round. Geographic expansion included entry into San Diego in August 2018 and later into Washington, D.C. by March 2019.
In August 2021, the company secured $25 million through Series C financing. This was followed by a $37 million Series D funding round announced in September 2022 aimed at supporting growth and advancing electrification initiatives.
Safety Report
Each year, HopSkipDrive publishes a Safety Report that outlines its safety metrics and platform enhancements. The 2022 edition reported a total of 16.5 million miles driven across 22 markets spanning 11 states along with Washington D.C.