Ride-hailing service for children to launch in Phoenix

PHOENIX — HopSkipDrive, a ride-hailing service for children six and older, is set to launch in Phoenix beginning July 30.

The ride hailing app and website runs like Lyft and Uber but is only serviceable to kids.

Its mission is to make transportation easier for busy parents.

HopSkipDrive is already operating in California, Colorado, Virginia and Washington D.C.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and their children’s education and activities, but that tough choice is very real for countless families. HopSkipDrive wants parents to take comfort in knowing they have someone to rely on to get their kids where they need to go, safely and without worry,” said HopSkipDrive co-founder and CEO Joanna McFarland, in a press release.

Phoenix was selected as the child transportation service’s next city because of the need from local schools and parents.

Approximately half of the students in Maricopa County participate in open enrollment, according to the press release, meaning they choose to attend a different school within their district rather than the one they were originally assigned to.

For added safety measures, HopSkipDrive allows parents to reserve a ride for their kids as little as eight hours in advance or by 7 p.m. the day prior. This allows both parents and kids to familiarize themselves with the individual who will be driving.

Parents can also receive progress alerts when their child is picked up or dropped off.

Door through door service is provided so parents can give special instructions if a child needs to be signed in or out of school.

Every driver for the company, called CareDrivers, must go through an extensive vetting process.

After verifying a driver has at least five years of care giving experience, they go through a 15-point certification process. The process includes fingerprinting, FBI and DOJ background checks, driving records and in-person meetings with HopSkipDrive staff.

HopSkipDrive can be accessed on your phone or on their website.

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