School Board approves Zoom partnership for student transportation and therapy services

In a recent meeting, the San Francisco City Council discussed the implementation of a new transportation service aimed at enhancing student safety and accessibility. The initiative, known as the Shoestrings project, will utilize a vetted transportation service called Zoom to transport students to and from educational and therapeutic programs.

Council members expressed their gratitude towards bus drivers while clarifying the distinction between Zoom and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. The discussion highlighted the rigorous vetting process that Zoom drivers undergo, which includes background checks by the FBI, DOJ, and DMV, ensuring a high level of safety for the students involved.

The Shoestrings project will initially serve 5 to 7 students, providing them with direct transportation to Havard for diagnostic programs. Notably, the service will also include transportation for parents to attend parent-child interactive therapy sessions, starting with the next cohort in September. This initiative is supported by a grant from First 5, emphasizing the collaborative effort to enhance community resources for families.

The council members unanimously approved the contract with Zoom, reflecting strong support for the initiative. The project aims to foster a safe and supportive environment for students and their families, addressing critical needs within the community. As the program rolls out, it is expected to strengthen connections between families and educational resources, ultimately benefiting the broader San Francisco community.