Intelligent Ridesharing in Real-time

The development of a wireless mobile cloud platform that includes dynamic ride matching; utilizing in-vehicle systems and user interface; with supporting connectivity to social networks and HOV/HOT lane tolling infrastructure, will create a critical enhancement to enable an increase in ridesharing on the nation’s roadways. The objective of this Phase II research project is the development of a working prototype that demonstrates the viability and interoperability of a mobile application that enables real-time ride matching and vehicle occupancy declaration to help facilitate more ridesharing and use of HOT lanes. The proposed solution integrates multiple databases to generate rideshare partners in real-time, and unleashes new, innovative mechanisms for delivering incentives; it includes GPS; SMS; and detects and communicate reliable vehicle occupancy data with HOV/HOT lanes tolling infrastructure. The work includes coordination with key stakeholders including toll authorities; state and local rideshare agency; in-vehicle platform provider and rideshare solutions providers. Emphasis will be placed on developing a smartphone app that can be commercialized and deployed for use throughout the nation.