Running preschool transport without owning a single vehicle

Few preschools set out to run a transport operation. It usually starts with a handful of parents asking, then a van, then a driver. Before long, someone on your team is spending every morning on the phone instead of with the children.

The hidden work behind a school van

• Buying or leasing vehicles, and paying for them whether they’re full or not.
• Hiring drivers, checking them, and finding cover when one is unwell.
• Fuel, servicing, insurance renewals and breakdowns.
• Redrawing routes every time enrolment changes.
• Answering “where is the van?” calls from anxious parents.

Each task is manageable. Together they make a second business, and that business doesn’t teach a single child.

What “fully managed” should mean

In a fully managed model, your transport partner owns the operation end to end, not just the driving. With MetroRide Kids, that means vehicles, verified drivers, fuel and maintenance, route operations, parent communication, and backup vehicles and drivers. Parents subscribe in the MetroRide Kids app, so your team isn’t collecting transport fees either.

What it costs you upfront

Nothing. MetroRide Kids runs preschool transport at zero upfront cost: no capital spend on cars or vans, no fixed transport overheads and no vehicle maintenance bills.

What your school still does

Handing over the operation doesn’t mean losing sight of it. A few things stay with you, and they’re quick:

• Share your timings and term calendar.
• Name one point of contact for transport.
• Agree how children are handed over at the gate.
• Let parents know the option exists.

Questions to ask any transport partner

1. How are drivers checked before they drive your children?
2. Can parents see the ride live, including inside the car?
3. How is boarding confirmed, and are parents notified?
4. What happens when a vehicle breaks down or a driver is absent?
5. Who answers parents’ questions about rides?
6. Are there any upfront or fixed costs for the school?

If transport is taking more of your team’s time than it should, book a demo and we’ll walk you through how it would work for your preschool.