Call Us Now

240-608-2933
214-666-8901

Guidelines

Learn about the policies and procedures that ensure safe, efficient transportation. Follow these guidelines for a smooth and hassle-free experience.

  • Home
  • Guidelines
Community Guidelines

EK4Kids Community Guidelines

EK4Kids Community Guidelines were developed with both our drivers and passengers in mind to ensure a safe, reliable, and respectful transportation experience for all. EK4Kids users are expected to adhere to these guidelines when accessing or using the EK4Kids platform.

Read more about EK4Kids Zero Tolerance Policies.

BE SAFE

Safety during the ride is extremely important! These guidelines are designed to promote a safer in-ride experience for everyone.

BE SMART

Common sense is the best approach to any situation. Whether you’re a CareDriver or Rider, these guidelines are the essence of being smart.

BE RESPECTFUL

Kindness and consideration for one another go a long way! These guidelines help make everyone feel supported and welcome.

Per the EK4Kids Terms of Use, any user found violating these guidelines may be deactivated from the EK4Kids platform. To report unsafe behavior or if you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact Support at info@ek4kids.com or   240-608-2933.

BE SAFE

Safety during the ride is our top priority! EK4Kids drivers stay focused on the road and are prepared to respond quickly to any situation. Passengers, remember that safety is a shared responsibility, and being mindful of your behavior during the ride is essential.

THE BASICS

EK4Kids users are responsible for understanding and adhering to all relevant local laws and traffic regulations at all times during the ride.

  • Drive carefully and conscientiously while obeying all traffic laws.
  • Never illegally talk or text at any time during the ride.
  • Set navigation BEFORE departing from the pickup location.
  • Keep eyes on the road.

USE OF CAR SEATS AND BOOSTER SEATS

It is critical for all HopSkipDrive Users to understand local and state requirements relating to car seats and booster seats. Failure to appropriately use car seats and booster seats not only endangers the safety of the Riders, but also violates state law. 

Learn more about child passenger safety and seat belt laws in your state.

  • Must provide a booster seat for Riders between the ages of 4 to 8.
  • Responsible for replacing booster seats once they’ve reached their expiration.

ACCOUNT SHARING

Users may not share their account information with anyone else. To use the HopSkipDrive Platform, you need to register and maintain an active account with accurate information. 

The registered CareDriver must be the person performing the ride, just as only named Riders can attend a ride. No individuals other than the listed CareDriver and Rider(s) can accompany the ride. Only Ride Organizers who are legally authorized to arrange rides are permitted to add or remove a Rider from a Ride, or edit Rider information.

Unauthorized third parties are not covered under HopSkipDrive insurance.

USE OF CAMERAS OR RECORDING DEVICES

CareDrivers may not take photos or videos of Riders, use inward-facing dashboard cameras, or otherwise record conversations with Riders, while using the HopSkipDrive app. This is to ensure that the privacy rights of HopSkipDrive Users (including the Riders, who are often minors) are protected. 

Similarly, it is expected that Riders not record or take video of CareDrivers during a ride without the CareDriver’s consent. 

SMOKING OR TOBACCO USE

Because there may be Users with respiratory issues or who are bothered by the smell, HopSkipDrive asks that no User of the platform smoke during a ride or in the CareDriver’s vehicle. CareDrivers should also be mindful of tobacco-free requirements around schools and other public or private locations.

WEAPONS

For the safety of all Users, HopSkipDrive enforces a strict no-weapons policy during rides and on any HopSkipDrive property. Neither CareDrivers nor Riders are permitted to carry a weapon during a HopSkipDrive ride, whether legally permitted to do so or not. This policy is to ensure the safety and comfortability of all Users of the HopSkipDrive platform. 

At a minimum, a “weapon” includes any form of firearm. “Weapons” may also include items such as handguns, stun guns, explosives, knives, sling shots and tasers. HopSkipDrive reserves sole judgment on what else may constitute a “weapon.” If you have any questions about whether various items could be considered a “weapon” under this policy, please contact HopSkipDrive Support before bringing any questionable items onto a ride or HopSkipDrive property.

Note: The general policy above does not apply to authorized security personnel contracted or employed by HopSkipDrive or to law enforcement personnel.

BE SMART

Common sense is the best approach to helping keep yourself and others safe. All HopSkipDrive Users avoid situations that put another person at risk. CareDrivers think like a caregiver while watching for situations that may require quick action, while Riders put their brain to work by trusting their instincts and ensuring they are getting into the correct vehicle at pickup.

IDENTITY VERIFICATION AND VEHICLE INFORMATION

To ensure Platform safety, identity verification must be performed prior to every ride. Ride Organizers will have access to identifying information about the CareDriver, including their name, profile photo, and vehicle information (license plate number and make/model) so that Riders or authorized adults are able to verify the vehicle during pickup. Vehicle decals are also used as a way to help identify the CareDriver.

Rider names and code words are confirmed before beginning the ride as an added layer of security. CareDrivers are responsible for providing the Rider with the Rider’s name and secret code word once they have reached the vehicle. After the information has been confirmed, the Rider can provide their birthday as an added layer of security.

  • Never begin a ride with a passenger who is not listed on the ride.
  • Always provide the secret code word for each ride, even if they are a repeat Rider.
  • Decals must be visible for every ride and placed on the vehicle in accordance with state requirements. While not required, wearing a HopSkipDrive t-shirt during rides provides an additional layer of security and helps Riders to identify you more quickly.
  • All services provided through the HopSkipDrive Platform must be performed in the approved vehicle listed on the CareDriver’s profile.

PICKUP AND DROPOFF

Pickup and drop-off locations are predetermined by the Ride Organizer. CareDrivers must transport a Rider directly to the predetermined drop-off location provided in the app and selected by the Ride Organizer. Riders may not request a change to the drop-off location listed in the app. Discrimination against Riders based on geographic departure point or destination is prohibited.

  • Avoid any situation that puts your Riders at risk.
  • Advance through each stage of the ride process via the app so that the Ride Organizer can be updated on your progress.
  • Do not drop a Rider off anywhere other than the pre-arranged destination.
  • Do not leave a drop-off destination until the Rider is safely inside and they wave to indicate that they are ready for you to leave.

ADDITIONAL STOPS

CareDrivers must transport a Rider directly to the predetermined drop-off location selected by the Ride Organizer and not make any unauthorized stops along the way including but not limited to food, gas, or bathroom stops. Riders may not request an additional stop or a different drop-off location.

In the event of a non-medical incident or emergency, pull over to assess the situation and contact HopSkipDrive. If necessary, call 911 immediately before contacting HopSkipDrive.

STREET HAILS

Local regulations prohibit street hails whenever using the HopSkipDrive app. CareDrivers may not solicit or accept on-demand summoning of a ride. Riders and Ride Organizers should not pay for HopSkipDrive rides in cash or outside of the HopSkipDrive app.

GIFTS AND COMMUNICATION

To protect the safety of all Users of the Platform, and in light of the Riders who use the HopSkipDrive Platform, CareDrivers are asked to refrain from giving gifts to Riders unless permitted by the Ride Organizer. 

CareDrivers are asked to maintain age-appropriate communication while performing the Services. With the exception of optional gratuities, the same is requested of Riders.

BE RESPECTFUL

EK4Kids drivers use their experience and care to ensure both passengers and parents feel comfortable, always showing kindness and consideration. Passengers are expected to keep their hands to themselves and speak politely and respectfully to others. Learn more about EK4KIDS Zero Tolerance Policies on discrimination, physical contact, and sexual harassment.

SHOW KINDNESS TO ONE ANOTHER

  • Help passengers and their parents feel comfortable.
  • Show kindness and consideration.
  • Communicate pickup and drop-offs promptly via the app so parents have peace of mind.
  • Help passengers and their parents feel comfortable.
  • Show kindness and consideration.
  • Communicate pickup and drop-offs promptly via the app so parents have peace of mind.

EATING AND DRINKING

Food and beverages are not allowed during EK4Kids rides. Drivers are mindful that passengers may have sensitivities or intolerances, so they do not provide any food, drinks, or medication. Passengers are expected to help keep the vehicle clean and avoid potential damage by refraining from eating or drinking during the ride.

INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT

All EK4Kids users must stay mindful of their behavior and avoid any conduct that could be considered inappropriate by others. Threatening or disrespectful language, aggressive behavior, bullying, hazing, or any form of harassment is strictly prohibited during EK4Kids rides or when interacting with EK4Kids employees.

Drivers are expected to set clear boundaries and remain professional, avoiding risky behavior or conversations that may be inappropriate for youth or vulnerable individuals. Passengers must treat both the driver and the vehicle with respect.

  • No sharing of personal information, engaging in inappropriate conversations, or asking personal questions that could make a passenger uncomfortable (including topics like religion or politics).
  • Drivers should be mindful of music or radio selections during the ride to ensure a comfortable environment for all.

OUTSIDE OR UNWANTED CONTACT

All users of the EK4Kids platform are expected to understand the sensitive nature of working with children and seniors. Both passengers and drivers should refrain from contacting each other outside of the ride unless prior express consent is given by the other party (in the case of a child, consent must come from the parent/guardian or ride organizer).

To ensure platform safety, and in accordance with the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, all contact should end once the ride is complete, unless it’s to return a lost item.

Please notify EK4Kids immediately if another user contacts you for any reason unrelated to the ride or returning a lost item.

SERVICE ANIMALS

All EK4Kids drivers are legally required to accommodate service animals and make reasonable accommodations for passengers with special needs.

Passengers with Service Animals
Drivers are obligated to allow passengers to ride with their service animals, as per the law. Denying service or discriminating against passengers with service animals is prohibited. Ride organizers are encouraged to include a note in the ride instructions if a service animal is required.

Drivers with Service Animals
EK4Kids drivers are allowed to ride with their service animals. However, this may affect the number of passengers you can transport, and some passengers may have allergies or discomfort around animals. Please mention your service animal in your driver profile and notify passengers in advance. If a passenger cannot ride with your service animal, contact EK4Kids Support immediately.

If you have questions about service animals, contact Support at 240-608-2933

FRAUD

All EK4Kids users are prohibited from committing fraud, providing false information, requesting fees or refunds they are not entitled to, or conducting invalid transactions.

For Drivers, it is considered fraud to cancel a ride and then reclaim it at a higher price if the ride opportunity is recreated. In such cases, the fare will revert to the original amount, and the driver will lose access to similar opportunities in the future.

Ride Organizers are required to book services using a valid credit card. Failure to collect payment for rides will result in future rides being canceled, and the account may be closed.

COMMUNICATION AND RELIABILITY

It is essential for all EK4Kids users to arrange to be early or on time for all scheduled rides. Both drivers and passengers often have strict schedules to follow, so it’s important to honor the commitment to the scheduled time.

Users should avoid starting a ride more than 5 minutes earlier than the scheduled time, as drop-off locations may not be open or able to accept passengers before the requested time.

If you are running behind schedule or have any concerns about a ride, please contact EK4Kids Support at 240-608-2933

  • For safety reasons, EK4Kids drivers who have not completed the check-in process 60 minutes prior to the scheduled start time or who are running more than 15 minutes late to the pickup location may be removed from the ride.
  • Ride removals can affect a driver’s cancellation rate and their status on the EK4Kids platform.

  • Communication is vital! There may be times when EK4Kids needs to contact the driver with urgent updates about the ride. It is crucial that drivers have a working phone while performing a ride and can pull over to a safe location to answer calls from Support if there is a safety concern.

RIDE CANCELLATIONS

EK4Kids users are expected to be mindful of ride cancellations, as they can significantly affect another user’s schedule. To respect everyone’s time, cancellations should be made as far in advance as possible, as drivers and ride organizers often have strict schedules to follow. Last-minute cancellations can pose a safety risk for passengers if the driver cancels with little notice.

Driver cancellation rates can impact their status on the EK4Kids platform.

Learn more about ride organizer cancellations.

Learn more about driver cancellations.

Our Testimonial

What Our Clients Say

Parents trust us for reliable, safe rides, and consistently give us 5-star reviews.

We had a great experience with EK4KIDS! Our drivers were prompt, professional, and even sang children’s songs along with us. They had boosters and seat belts. The buses were very clean and modern. I highly recommend this company!

Info Fontanelle
Info Fontanelle

We used EK4KIDS for a school field trip. It was affordable and easy to schedule. Will be using again!

Christina Thomas
Christina Thomas

My son used EK4KIDS to get to summer camp and it was a dream! Mr. EK was timely, professional, and kind and everything worked like a breeze.

Arielle Mir
Arielle Mir

We used the ek4kids shuttle service this summer to bring a group of DC 1st and 2nd graders to and from camp in MD. It was a great experience. Easy to set up, super reliable, great communication, and safe. We highly recommend them to anyone with a transportation challenge!

Meredith & Joel
Meredith & Joel

We specialize in providing safe, reliable transportation tailored just for kids. With vetted drivers and trusted service, your child’s safety is always our priority.

Important Links

Area We Serve

Contact Info

Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates, special offers, and important service announcements straight to your inbox.

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin

Copyright 2024 EK4Kids. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by Qorvatech