Detroit is testing whether rideshare transportation can help reduce chronic student absenteeism through a new pilot program that will provide rides for approximately 150 students during the opening weeks of the school year.

The $500,000 pilot is scheduled to begin Aug. 24 and run through mid-October, serving students at Pershing High School, Denby High School, Osborn High School and East English Village Preparatory Academy at Finney. City officials selected the schools based on chronic absenteeism rates and will use the program to evaluate whether rideshare transportation can improve attendance before considering a larger expansion.

For rideshare drivers, the initiative highlights how transportation network companies continue to be explored for public-sector mobility programs beyond traditional passenger trips.

Pilot Will Test Whether Transportation Improves Attendance

According to Detroit officials, the program is intended to remove transportation barriers that may prevent students from attending school consistently.

Chanel Hampton, director of Youth and Education for Mayor Mary Sheffield’s office, said the pilot’s limited duration reflects available funding and is designed to gather data before deciding whether the initiative should continue.

“The hope is that we learn, we see what works, and we can absolutely then bring in more funds to scale this to be a school year-round effort,” Hampton said.

Program Targets Schools With High Absenteeism

Detroit Public Schools Community District has continued working to reduce chronic absenteeism across the district.

District data shows that 60.9% of students were considered chronically absent during the 2024-25 school year, meaning they missed at least 10% of the academic year.

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said improving attendance has a direct impact on academic performance.

“When our students miss 18 or fewer days, which means they’re not chronically absent, they’re three to four times more likely to be at and above grade level in literacy and math, science and social studies, and college ready on the SAT,” Vitti said.

Transportation Strategy Extends Beyond the Pilot

The rideshare initiative is one component of a broader transportation strategy announced by Mayor Mary Sheffield before the start of the school year.

The city also confirmed that its Ride to Rise program, which provides students with free rides on Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) buses, will become a permanent program after receiving $1 million in state funding.

According to Sheffield, the program is intended to support more than trips to and from school by providing students with transportation to tutoring programs, after-school activities, recreation centers, libraries and jobs.

Additional Safety Measures Planned

City officials also announced new safety initiatives for students using public transportation.

Ride to Rise ambassadors will be stationed on selected DDOT routes, at transit centers and near school bus stops during the school week to assist students and improve safety as they travel to and from school.

Detroit officials said the rideshare pilot and expanded transit initiatives will be evaluated over the coming months to determine whether additional funding can support future expansion.

The ProDriverPoint editorial team creates practical, professional content for commercial passenger transportation providers, including rideshare, taxi, limousine, chauffeur, NEMT, shuttle and motorcoach professionals. Our coverage focuses on industry news, business operations, safety, regulations and career insights that help transportation professionals succeed on the road and behind the scenes.

Last Updated: August 26, 2026

Source: WCSX