DePauwRide

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

Spring 5-1-2025

Abstract

DePauwRide is a web-based carpooling platform designed exclusively for DePauw University students to provide a safe, cost-effective, and structured ride-sharing service. The platform allows students to schedule and share rides for pre-set travel routes such as DePauw to Indianapolis Airport, Walmart, Indianapolis Downtown (Monument Circle, White River State Park, and Old National Centre), and Chicago Downtown (Union Station, Navy Pier, and Milennium Park). Unlike traditional ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, DePauwRide ensures that rides are exclusively student-to-student, fostering trust, eliminating surge pricing, and making transportation more accessible to students without personal vehicles. The platform features student-only authentication using DePauw email verification, ensuring a secure user base. Additionally, pre-set prices for each route eliminate price negotiations and prevent overcharging, making the service more reliable for both drivers and passengers. Payments can be processed through either Stripe, or PayPal, providing multiple secure options for seamless transactions. DePauwRide operates as a community-driven social network, where students can post available rides or request a ride from others, enhancing interaction while ensuring flexibility. The system matches riders and drivers based on preferred routes and schedules, allowing for a seamless experience. A rating system ensures that drivers and passengers can evaluate their experiences, maintaining service quality and safety. Users can browse the social ride-sharing page to find posts from drivers offering rides and passengers seeking rides. This ensures flexibility and transparency in the ride-sharing process. By addressing transportation challenges faced by DePauw students, particularly international students and those without cars, DePauwRide provides an affordable, structured, and community-centered alternative to expensive ride-sharing services in an area with limited public transportation options.

Comments

Completed as part of the Computer Science Senior Capstone Project.

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