Transportation Ride Sharing and Ride Planning in Rural Areas - GoEverywhere App
Overview
Group 30 was tasked with creating GoEverywhere, a mobile-based ride-sharing and ride-planning application designed to address the lack of accessible and reliable transportation in rural communities. The app connects users with local shuttle services and drivers, enabling both scheduled and on-demand rides while accommodating accessibility needs such as wheelchair-friendly vehicles. Key features include real-time ride tracking, dynamic route optimization using Google OR-Tools for pre-scheduled rides, and a greedy heuristic for same-day requests. The system follows an event-driven architecture and includes separate rider and driver interfaces supported by a gRPC backend and PostgreSQL database. The app is built with scalability and inclusivity in mind, assuming stable internet access and basic smartphone use, and it aims to improve mobility, reduce social isolation, and provide a more flexible alternative to fixed-route or commercial ride-sharing services that often overlook rural needs.
Community Benefit
Rural communities across the country face significant transportation challenges due to limited or nonexistent public transit options, leading to reduced access to healthcare, education, employment, and social services. The GoEverywhere app directly addresses this issue by providing an inclusive and adaptive ride-sharing and ride-planning platform specifically designed for rural residents. By connecting users with local shuttle services and enabling both scheduled and on-demand rides, the app promotes mobility for individuals who may otherwise be isolated—especially the elderly and those with disabilities. In doing so, GoEverywhere enhances economic opportunity, community engagement, and overall quality of life. As rural populations continue to age and mobility needs increase, scalable solutions like GoEverywhere become essential for building sustainable, connected, and resilient rural communities.
Team Members
Sponsored By
Dr. Zhen Ni