RideZum

RideZum Review:

RideZum, which prefers the shorter moniker of Zum, was one of the original sites that enlisted freelancers to drive kids to and from school and activities. The site morphed dramatically in 2022. Zum now hires drivers as employees. And they drive buses — not their own cars.

However, it remains a good option for people who want to drive kids for a living.

How it works

If you want to sign up to drive for the site, you’ll either call the site’s toll-free number, sign up online, or attend an in-person job fair. If you are applying for a bus driving position, you will need to have a commercial driver’s license. However, you don’t already, Zum says it will pay for your on-the-road training.

The training takes 40 hours. And that is not paid time. That said, you’ll emerge from the training with a commercial driver’s license that qualifies you for well-paid work elsewhere too. So, it’s an investment of time that may be well worth your while.

Pay and benefits

If you’re hired, the site will pay you based on your location, driving experience and the type of vehicle you’re driving. If you’re driving a bus, pay ranges from $25 to $36 per hour. Bus drivers are also guaranteed at least 5 hours of work a day.

People who drive their own cars are generally promised at least $25 per hour or $16 per trip, whichever is more.

The site also hires bus attendants and “yard operators” in some cities. Pay for these positions starts at $15 to $20 per hour.

Importantly, because Zum is now hiring workers as employees, it also pays the 7.65% employer side of Social Security and Medicare taxes. And it promises a full suite of employee benefits, such as health and dental insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Great for parents

The fact that this job’s hours are during the school day makes this a great part-time job for parents with school-age kids. You could essentially ask for the routes that would allow you to take your own children to school and home with you.

Operating footprint

That said, the site only operates in select cities in 11 states. It’s fairly ubiquitous in major cities in California. But in other states, the opportunities are only available if you happen to be near a major city in that state, such as Kansas City, Mo. or Omaha, Nebraska. The site is growing, however. So, keep checking the site for opportunities, if Zum is not currently available in your neighborhood.

Non-driving positions

It’s worth mentioning that Zum now also has open positions for bus mechanics, dispatchers, safety supervisors, billing and payroll personnel, too.

Recommendations

RideZum was a good opportunity for freelance drivers, who like the idea of working limited hours during the daytime. You can sign up to drive from Zum here.

Other sites that will pay you to drive kids are also worth a look. These include HopSkipDrive, Kango, RubiRides or KidCar.

*Updated 11/27/2024