Towards Sustainable Commuting: Development of a Carpool Ride-Sharing Platform with Real-Time Tracking and Safety Features

This study presents the design and development of a Carpool Ride-Sharing Application aimed at addressing the challenges of urban commuting through a secure, affordable, and sustainable mobility solution. The application connects drivers and passengers traveling along similar routes, enabling shared rides that reduce individual travel costs, alleviate traffic congestion, and minimize environmental impact. Core features include secure user authentication, trip scheduling, real-time GPS tracking, and integrated cashless payments, complemented by safety mechanisms such as driver verification, ride preferences, and reporting tools to enhance trust and reliability. The system leverages location-based services and route optimization algorithms to improve ride-matching efficiency, thereby ensuring timely and convenient travel for users. Developed using the Agile methodology, the project adopted an iterative, user-centric approach that allowed for continuous refinement of features and responsiveness to commuter needs. Evaluation demonstrated that the platform enhances commuting efficiency, increases ride-sharing adoption, and fosters a more sustainable and community-driven approach to transportation. By combining robust functionality with an intuitive interface, the application offers a practical and scalable solution that aligns with global efforts to promote smarter, greener cities and demonstrates the potential of technology-driven carpooling systems to transform daily mobility practices.