Ride-Sharing Service For Kids Launches in King County

Youve got a big presentation at work, and you dont have time to take your daughter to school. Or pick your son up after soccer practice.

Now, a unique ride-sharing service will pick up your kids when you cant.

HopSkipDrive, a Los Angeles-based company started in 2014 by three working mothers, has launched in King County. Parents can use the HopSkipDrive app or website to book rides with caredrivers for kids 6 and up.

As a working mother of two, I understand how challenging it is to balance your childrens ever-changing daily schedules with workplace demands, says co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Joanna McFarland. Parents shouldnt have to choose between their careers and their childrens education and activities, but that tough choice is very real for countless families.

The company says it chose Seattle as its next expansion market because of the citys notorious traffic congestion a recent study found that Seattles commute times are rapidly increasing and because of its relatively high rate of chronic student absenteeism, 11.3%. The company already operates in California, Colorado, Arizona, Texas and Washington, D.C.

Rides must be booked at least eight hours in advance, or 7 p.m. for rides the next morning. Parents receive a photo profile of the driver, as well as progress alerts. Price starts at $22. Carpools are available. The company says its drivers are meticulously vetted.

HopSkipDrive, which has raised $27 million, is also in discussions with the Seattle, Mercer Island, Federal Way, Issaquah, Lake Washington and Snoqualmie school districts for specialized transportation services.