A creative solution to student transportation challenges emerged in Chicago through a parent-led initiative. Inspired by a chance observation of his daughter greeting a schoolmate on a crowded highway, Ismael El-Amin developed Piggyback Network in 2023. The service connects families to arrange shared rides for children attending the same school. This innovation responds to a significant decline in traditional school bus usage. A Federal Highway Administration survey highlighted that only 28% of U.S. students relied on school buses in 2023, compared to 36% in 2017. Factors contributing to this decrease include driver shortages and the logistical complexities of providing transport for students attending distant schools. In Chicago, where just 17,000 out of 325,000 students qualify for bus services, many families seek affordable and reliable alternatives.

Piggyback Network allows parents to book rides at approximately 80 cents per mile, with drivers accumulating credits for their own children’s transport. The platform emphasizes affordability and safety, offering real-time tracking and secure password verification. While expanding operations to other states, Piggyback Network addresses a pressing gap in student transportation. Competitors such as HopSkipDrive and Kango have also entered the market, providing specialized services. HopSkipDrive, active in 13 states, collaborates with school districts to ensure dependable student transport, while Kango, operating in California and Arizona, caters to children with unique needs, including disabilities. Both companies implement rigorous driver background checks and enforce comprehensive safety protocols. Although innovative solutions mitigate transportation barriers, challenges such as scalability and public trust continue to shape the future of these services, highlighting their essential role in ensuring equitable access to education.