carpOOl

Inspiration

When I return home for summer, I often see friends and relatives stuck in long traffic jams. What should be a 30-minute drive sometimes turns into a 2-hour journey. Seeing how much time, fuel, and patience are lost every day inspired us to create a smarter way to travel together. We wanted to build something that connects people going in the same direction, reduces congestion, and makes daily commuting more sustainable and social.

What it does

carpOOl connects drivers and passengers with similar routes and schedules through AI-based matching. Users can create or join carpools, chat securely within the app, and get real-time route suggestions. The app aims to reduce traffic, carbon emissions, and travel costs while building a sense of community among commuters.

How we built it

We designed the interface in Figma to ensure a clean and simple user flow. Using Cursor as our AI-assisted coding environment, we implemented a responsive Next.js front end connected to a Firebase backend. We integrated Google Maps API for route visualization and used AI matching logic to suggest the most compatible carpool partners based on proximity, timing, and preferences.

Challenges we ran into

Our biggest challenges were refining the AI matching algorithm, managing API rate limits, and syncing real-time location data between users. We also had to balance simplicity and functionality within a short timeframe, especially while ensuring the app’s interface remained intuitive.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud that we turned a common frustration into a meaningful solution within the hackathon period. Our team successfully combined design, development, and AI integration into one working prototype. We also built a clean and responsive interface that visually communicates the app’s purpose, smarter travel made simple.

What we learned

We learned the importance of clear task delegation, time management, and continuous testing. Working with real-time data taught us how small technical issues can quickly affect user experience. We also gained valuable experience in using AI tools like Cursor to accelerate development while maintaining creativity in design and logic.

What's next for carpOOl

We plan to expand carpOOl by improving AI matching accuracy, adding group scheduling, and introducing an in-app rewards system for eco-friendly users. In the long term, we hope to partner with universities, workplaces, and city councils to promote shared rides and sustainable commuting at a larger scale.

Built With

• cursor
• figma
• firebase
• javascript
• python