SawaRide
An online platform connecting private vehicle owners with passengers for shared rides on the Nairobi to Eldoret route, reducing congestion and carbon emissions.
The Nairobi to Eldoret route experiences heavy congestion during peak hours, both on the road and at the terminals, due to a large number of private vehicle owners making the trip with less full vehicles, while there are a huge number of passengers but limited public transportation options to the point of extreme congestion at the terminals during peak hours. This results in long commutes, wasted fuel, and increased traffic at the terminals, making it difficult for passengers to board or disembark from the vehicles, and poses a risk of COVID-19 and other disease transmission. This problem affects both private vehicle owners and passengers, as they both face challenges with the current transportation options. The aim is to alleviate congestion during peak hours, on the road and at the terminals, lower carbon emissions, and save money for both passengers and drivers, while also reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission at terminals.
In the Nairobi route, many matatus and buses are usually fully booked, and some of the passengers have to wait for hours for vehicles that have to ferry other commuters to return. Transporters seize the opportunity to hike fares. In Nakuru (which is along the route), stranded travelers complain of high fares and a shortage of vehicles. John Kariuki (interviewed), said he waited for six hours for a vehicle to travel to Nairobi. “I’m disappointed. I bought a ticket early hoping to travel at 11am but here I’m six hours later, stranded with my family,” he said. High number of travelers had booked these vehicles early but were stranded for hours. The fare to Nairobi had increased to KSh1,000 from KSh500. Symon Ngige, a manager of Molo-line Service, admitted that they were overwhelmed by the high number of travelers who started arrive at the station in peak hours. The same route was congested with private cars and these public means causing jam density hence necessitating a clear solution.
The solution is an online platform called SawaRide, which aims to alleviate congestion during peak hours on the Nairobi to Eldoret route.
The platform connects passengers with private vehicle owners who are already making the trip on the route. The process works by allowing passengers to search for available seats on a trip they want to make and reserve them, while the driver can post their trip on the platform and have passengers join them. The platform uses a sophisticated algorithm to match passengers and drivers, taking into account factors like travel time, departure and arrival points, and number of seats available.
The technology used in the platform is a web-based application that allows users to access the platform via a web browser on their smartphones or computers. The platform uses a database to store and retrieve the information about the trips, passengers and drivers. It also uses a payment gateway to handle transactions and secure data transfer.
The platform is designed to be user-friendly, easy to navigate and simple to use. It allows passengers to search for trips, view available seats, and book a seat. And it allows drivers to post their trips, view the list of passengers, and manage the reservations.
In simple terms, the platform is an online marketplace that connects drivers who have extra seats in their cars with passengers who are looking for a ride. It helps to alleviate congestion during peak hours on the Nairobi to Eldoret route, lower the carbon emissions, and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at crowded terminals.
Our solution serves two main groups of people: private vehicle owners and passengers.
Private vehicle owners who make regular trips on the Nairobi to Eldoret route can benefit from our platform by filling up empty seats in their cars, which can help offset the cost of their daily commute. This can also help to reduce the environmental impact of transportation.
Passengers who use the Nairobi to Eldoret route regularly, but are not able to find an affordable and reliable transportation option, can benefit from our platform by finding a ride that matches their schedule and budget. This can also help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at crowded terminals.
The target population for this solution is people who are looking for an affordable, reliable, and safe transportation option on the Nairobi to Eldoret route. The current transportation options on this route are often overcrowded, which can make it difficult for passengers to board or disembark from the vehicles. This can be especially problematic for people who are elderly or have mobility issues. Additionally, the current options are often expensive and not environmentally friendly.
Our solution addresses the needs of this target population by providing a platform that connects passengers with private vehicle owners who are already making the trip. This not only reduces congestion on the road and at the terminals but also lowers carbon emissions and reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This platform is also designed to be user-friendly, easy to navigate, and simple to use, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of age or technical knowledge.
As a team, we are well-positioned to deliver the solution due to our diverse set of skills and experiences, as well as our direct connection to the problem at hand. My background in Transport and Transportation Planning, combined with my team member's degree in Telecommunication Engineering, provides us with a strong understanding of the transportation market and logistics, as well as the technical requirements for the platform. Additionally, our experiences of regularly making the Nairobi to Eldoret trip and being part of the affected society gives us a unique perspective on the transportation challenges faced by the population and how to best serve them.
Our team's skills and background in engineering and transportation planning, as well as my team member's expertise in platform development, positions us to deliver a solution that addresses the problem of congestion during peak hours on the Nairobi to Eldoret route, both on the road and at the terminals. Our knowledge and understanding of the transportation market, as well as my team member's technical expertise, will be instrumental in creating a platform that is user-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective.
Our team's life, volunteer, and work experiences have helped us understand the experiences of those we aim to serve by providing us with a first-hand understanding of the transportation challenges faced by the population, as well as a deep understanding of the transportation market in Nairobi and Eldoret. As someone who regularly makes this trip, we have seen firsthand the problems faced by the population and how to best serve them. This knowledge and experience will be invaluable in creating a solution that addresses the needs of the target population.
Our team is representative of the target population as we are part of the affected society and understand the transportation challenges faced by the population. This will help us empathize with their needs and create a solution that addresses them. Overall, as a team, we are well-positioned to deliver the solution due to our diverse set of skills, background, and experiences, as well as our direct connection to the problem at hand and our understanding of the target population.
As a member of the population that is affected by the problem of congestion during peak hours on the Nairobi to Eldoret route, I have first-hand experience and therefore understand the problem. I have used this experience to gain a deep understanding of the transportation challenges faced by the population.
To further understand the needs of the population, I have conducted research by interviewing private transport drivers on this route. I have also used statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority to gather more information. My research showed that most of the private transport drivers I interviewed, 8 out of 10, are more than willing to adopt the system I am proposing. I also found that most of the bus and matatu transport providers agree they are incapable of meeting transport needs during peak hours.
In addition, I have engaged potential users in the design and development of my solution by speaking to private transport drivers, passengers and other stakeholders to understand their needs and pain points, and how best to serve them. This has helped me to create a solution that addresses the specific needs of the target population, and has a better chance of being successful.
Overall, I have taken a comprehensive approach to understanding the needs of the population by using my personal experiences, conducting research, and engaging potential users in the design and development process. I believe that this will help me to create a solution that effectively addresses the problem and meets the needs of the target population.
- Taking action to combat climate change and its impacts (Sustainability)
- Concept: An idea being explored for its feasibility to build a product, service, or business model based on that idea.
My solution is innovative because it addresses the problem of congestion during peak hours on the Nairobi to Eldoret route by linking private vehicle owners who are already making the trip with passengers in need of a ride. This creates a unique transportation option that helps to alleviate congestion during peak hours, on the road and at the terminals, and it also reduces carbon emissions and reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission at crowded terminals.
This approach is new and significantly improved compared to traditional transportation options, which are often overcrowded, expensive, and not environmentally friendly. The platform I am proposing is designed to be user-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective, which will make it accessible to everyone.
I believe that my solution has the potential to be catalytic, by changing the market and enabling broader positive impacts from others in this space. This will also discourage crowded terminals in the long-term by helping introduce a more online approach of booking of the existing matatus. I also hope to be able to scale this further to other sectors. By creating a platform that connects private vehicle owners with passengers, I hope to reduce the number of cars on the road, which will help to reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Additionally, by providing an affordable, reliable, and safe transportation option on the Nairobi to Eldoret route, I hope to improve people's lives by making it easier for them to get around.
Overall, my solution is innovative because it addresses the problem of congestion during peak hours by providing a new, efficient, and cost-effective transportation option that is accessible to everyone, and I hope that it will catalyze the market and create broader positive impacts from others in this space.
My impact goals for the next year are to:
Reduce congestion during peak hours on the Nairobi to Eldoret route, both on the road and at the terminals by connecting private vehicle owners who are already making the trip with passengers in need of a ride.
Reduce carbon emissions by connecting private vehicle owners who are already making the trip with passengers in need of a ride, reducing the number of cars on the road.
Reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at crowded terminals by connecting private vehicle owners who are already making the trip with passengers in need of a ride, reducing the number of people at crowded terminals.
Provide an affordable, reliable, and safe transportation option on the Nairobi to Eldoret route, making it easier for people to get around.
I plan to achieve these impact goals by:
Developing a user-friendly and efficient online platform that connects private vehicle owners with passengers in need of a ride.
Marketing the platform to private vehicle owners and passengers in the Nairobi to Eldoret route.
Continuously collecting and analyzing data on usage and feedback to improve the platform.
Continuously monitoring and evaluating the impact of the platform on congestion, carbon emissions, and the risk of COVID-19 transmission at crowded terminals.
Continuously engaging with the users to understand their needs and pain points, and how best to serve them.
Continuously working with other stakeholders like the National Transport and Safety Authority and other transport providers to improve the transportation market in the area.
Overall, my impact goals are to create a transportation option that reduces congestion, carbon emissions, and the risk of COVID-19 transmission at crowded terminals and provide an affordable, reliable, and safe transportation option to the people in the Nairobi to Eldoret route. I plan to achieve these impact goals through a combination of developing an efficient platform, marketing, data collection and analysis, monitoring, and engaging with the users and other stakeholders.
The core technology that powers my solution is an online platform that connects private vehicle owners with passengers in need of a ride. This platform is a new application of existing technologies, such as web development, mobile development, and data analysis.
The platform is built on modern web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript and a backend framework like Node.js, which allows it to be easily accessible by users via their web browsers. The platform also has a mobile application version, which is developed using React Native and allows users to access the platform from their mobile devices. This will enable users to easily plan and book their trips, regardless of their location.
The platform also uses data analysis technologies to continuously collect and analyze data on usage and feedback, to improve the platform and ensure it meets the needs of the users. The platform also uses mapping and geolocation technologies to match passengers with private vehicle owners who are already making the trip. This helps to ensure that users are matched with a ride that is going in the same direction and at a similar time.
The platform also uses messaging and payment technologies to facilitate communication and payment between the private vehicle owners and the passengers. The platform also uses security technologies such as SSL certificates and encryption to ensure the safety and security of the users' data.
Overall, the platform is built on a combination of existing technologies, such as web development, mobile development, data analysis, mapping, geolocation, messaging, payment and security technologies, that have been integrated to create a unique solution that addresses the problem of congestion during peak hours on the Nairobi to Eldoret route and make transportation more affordable, reliable, and safe.
- Crowd Sourced Service / Social Networks
- GIS and Geospatial Technology
- Software and Mobile Applications
- Kenya
Currently, my solution does not serve any people as it is still in the development phase. However, in the next year, I plan to serve a minimum of 10,000 people who regularly make the Nairobi to Eldoret route, by connecting private vehicle owners who are already making the trip with passengers in need of a ride.
This number is based on the research I have conducted and the statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority, which indicate that there is a significant number of people who regularly make this trip and are in need of a reliable and affordable transportation option. By launching the platform and marketing it to private vehicle owners and passengers in the Nairobi to Eldoret route, I expect to reach and serve at least 10,000 people in the next year.
There are several barriers that currently exist that may limit my impact in the next year:
Financial barriers: Developing and launching an online platform requires significant financial resources, such as the cost of hiring developers, designers, and marketers, and the cost of hosting and maintaining the platform.
Technical barriers: Developing and launching an online platform requires a high level of technical expertise and resources, and there may be challenges in finding and hiring the right team with the necessary skills and experience.
Legal barriers: There may be legal barriers to launching an online platform such as regulatory requirements and compliance with data protection laws.
Cultural barriers: There may be cultural barriers to the adoption of the platform, such as a lack of trust in digital platforms and a preference for traditional transportation options.
Market barriers: There may be competition from existing transportation options, such as buses, matatus and other private vehicle sharing platforms, which may make it difficult to attract users to the platform.
Technical barriers: There might be technical challenges while integrating multiple technologies, also while maintaining the platform and ensuring its security.
Overall, these barriers may limit my impact in the next year, but I plan to mitigate them by developing a strong business plan, identifying and securing funding sources, building a skilled and experienced team, compliance with regulations, executing a strong marketing strategy, continuously monitoring the market and user feedback, and ensuring the security of the platform.
Currently, I do not have any formal partnerships with organizations. However, I have been in touch with the National Transport and Safety Authority, as well as some of the private transport providers and some of the bus and matatu providers, to understand their operations and the challenges they face. I have also been in touch with some of the private vehicle owners and the passengers who use this route to gather more information on the problem, and to understand their needs and pain points, and how best to serve them. I plan to continue working with these organizations to gather more information, and to understand how best to collaborate with them to improve transportation in the area.
My business model is based on providing value to the population that regularly makes the Nairobi to Eldoret route by connecting private vehicle owners who are already making the trip with passengers in need of a ride, through an online platform.
I plan to generate revenue by charging a small transaction fee for each trip booked through the platform. This fee will be a percentage of the total trip cost, and it will be shared between the platform and the private vehicle owner.
The key customers for this platform are the private vehicle owners who are already making the trip, and the passengers who are in need of a ride. The private vehicle owners will benefit from the platform by filling up the available spaces in their cars and reducing the travel cost. The passengers will benefit by having a reliable, affordable, and safe transportation option.
The platform will also be beneficial to the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road and the carbon emissions, and reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission at crowded terminals. Additionally, the platform will be beneficial to the population by providing an affordable, reliable, and safe transportation option, making it easier for people to get around.
Overall, my business model is based on providing value to the population by connecting private vehicle owners who are already making the trip with passengers in need of a ride, through an online platform and generating revenue by charging a small transaction fee for each trip booked.
My path to financial sustainability is through a combination of sustained donations, grants, and revenue from the platform.
Sustained donations: I plan to apply for grants and seek out funding opportunities from foundations and organizations that support transportation and environmental causes.
Revenue from the platform: I plan to generate revenue by charging a small transaction fee for each trip booked through the platform. This fee will be a percentage of the total trip cost, and it will be shared between the platform and the private vehicle owner. As the number of users and trips increases, the revenue generated will also increase.
Advertising: I plan to generate additional revenue by selling advertising space on the platform to third-party vendors and service providers who cater to the transportation market.
Partnership: I plan to form partnerships with other transportation providers, such as bus and matatu providers, to expand the reach of the platform and generate more revenue.
Overall, my path to financial sustainability is through a combination of sustained donations, grants, and revenue from the platform, advertising and partnership. By diversifying our revenue streams, we aim to ensure that the platform can be financially sustainable in the long run.