Thursday, January 25, 2024

HopSkipDrive Applies AI To School Bus Driver Shortages

Los Angeles-based HopSkipDrive, the school transportation service which utilizes independent, qualified drivers to transport children from school to home, is applying AI to attempt to help with school bus driver shortages. According to the company, it has created a new AI tool called "Strategic Routing" which helps determine the best way to combine traditional buses with HopSkipDrive's passenger cars. The AI tool is apparently undergoing testing by a number of districts. HopSkipDrive got its start as an "Uber-for-kids", but has since shifted to offering up its service directly to school districts, to help those districts address issues with getting kids to and from school. It utilizes drivers who are paid per-trip to transport kids to and from school, and who are screened and meet the company's requirement, including at least 5 years of caregiving experience and who drive a 4-door vehicle which is 2013 or newer.