Want to drive kids around?
There are significant advantages to driving kids rather than adults. First, rides are scheduled in advance so you know what’s on your schedule. Secondly, your riders are rarely physically threatening, unlike some of the passengers using Uber. And kids are somewhat less likely to throw up in your vehicle than drunk college students.
There are five good sites that enlist freelancers to drive kids. They all operate somewhat similarly, but in different regions of the country.
Similarities
All five of these sites require that drivers pass DMV and criminal screening. They expect you to have some experience with childcare. (This includes being a parent.) Most require you to have appropriate car seats, too. By and large, they all pay upwards of $20 per hour.
Differences
Some are aimed at driving kids home from school and to afternoon activities. Others are mainly aimed at driving parents, with their kids, home from airports and hospitals. They mostly operate in relatively tight geographic markets. Here are the companies that help you find jobs driving kids and where they operate.
Zum
Zum, which uses the RideZum app, hires workers to drive school buses. You’ll need a commercial drivers license. However, the site will train you to get it, if you don’t already have one. Drivers earn between $26 and $33 per hour and get employee benefits, such as health and dental insurance, and a 401(k). Learn more about Zum here.
HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive operates in major cities in California, Texas, Washington, Colorado, Virginia/D.C. area, Arizona and Nevada. Terms and goals are much like those at Zum. You’ve got to pass a background check, have a clean driving record and a late-model car. You’re mostly driving kids home from school. Learn more about HopSkipDrive here.
Kango
Kango, like Zum and HopSkipDrive, is about driving kids to activities and school. But it operates only in California and Arizona. Learn more about Kango here.
Kidcar
KidCar enlists heavily screened TLC drivers in New York to take children to and from school, activities and, sometimes, drive kids and parents to and from hospitals and the airport. This site brags that it pays more than any other driving option. And, with promised minimum rates ranging from $25 to $77 per ride (depending on the type of car), the boast appears accurate. Learn more about KidCar here.
RubiRides
RubiRides operates only in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Drivers are primarily transporting kids to and from school and after-school activities. But the site also arranges rides for seniors, who need a lift to doctor’s appointments. What makes this site stand out — for both freelancers and parents — is that RubiRides has an exceptionally transparent pay/fee formula. You can learn more about RubiRides here.