Parents can book rides for their children in Colorado Springs this summer using the HopSkipDrive app

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – Summer is a busy time for parents as they must juggle their jobs while their children are off school. To help them, there is now an app that allows parents to book rides for children that is being used in some Colorado Springs school districts. The app is called HopSkipDrive.

In 2014, three mothers recognized the need for a “safe, reliable mode of transportation” for their children. The app supports more than ten thousand schools across the country and works with various government agencies and schools such as District 11.

“We have a network of vetted local caregivers who can provide these rides, and often they’re for kids who don’t fit properly on the school bus,” said Cindy Hamilton, communications director. “These are kids who move frequently, who may be homeless, who may be in foster care, who have an individualized education plan…”

Some would say this is like a kid’s version of Uber, but it’s not. Rides must be booked in advance and the company puts care service drivers through a 15-step certification process. This includes background checks through the Department of Justice and FBI, fingerprint checks, child abuse and neglect screenings, and requires staff with at least five years of care experience. All of this is done to ensure the children are well protected and in good hands.

“We are the only company in this space that publishes a safety report every year,” Hamilton said. “99.7% of our trips, more than 99.7% of our trips over millions of miles were without safety incidents.”

These vetted local counselors support parents and schools by taking these children. Parents told HopSkipDrive how their children have built meaningful relationships with their counselors. The same is true for the counselors in return.

“We often hear from HopSkipDrive counselors that this is the best-paying volunteer opportunity for them,” Hamilton said. “Because they love giving back to their community and getting to know the children and students.”

HopSkipDrive hopes that local parents know that there is a helping hand out there for them.

“We have been operating in Colorado Springs for some time, providing safe, reliable rides that parents rely on,” Hamilton said. “And in the summer, those needs don’t go away. We all need rides for our kids to get to camp, the pools or other fun summer activities.”

Click here to learn more about HopSkipDrive or to start planning a ride.

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