Shuttle Tracker

Shuttle Tracker Logo

Inspiration

Our inspiration for this project came from personal experiences and observations. We have been regular users of the Walmart Shuttle and have had to wait for long periods at stops, which becomes especially frustrating when time is limited due to plenty of homework, and work, or when weather conditions are harsh. We watch others endure similar experiences, and even drivers themselves have expressed their desire to improve communication with passengers. Additionally, we realized that the shuttle service was not limited to university students, but serves the Rexburg community. Witnessing these struggles inspired us to create an app/website that enhances the Walmart Shuttle experience.

What it does

Shuttle Tracker provides real-time tracking, passenger count records, driver notifications, and seat availability updates, ensuring users can rely on this service with ease and confidence. With an intuitive user interface, it allows students and other community members to check the status of the shuttle, know its location, and even anticipate available seats. This tool minimizes wait times, improves convenience, and ultimately transforms how people interact with the Walmart Shuttle service.

How we built it

Our project came to life thanks to remarkable teamwork. Cindy was responsible for organizing and designing the website and application in Figma. Kevin focused on structuring the web application, implementing the user interface, and performing unit testing. Andrés and Ignacio played a key role in creating fluid flows and views for the native application. We all made sure that the design was intuitive and easy to use. The roles of each team member were essential in making our vision a reality.

Challenges we ran into

First, we lacked access to third-party software for vehicle tracking and found it difficult to communicate with busy companies related to our project. Learning new skills, such as live tracking and retrieving and manipulating data from mobile devices such as coordinates, posed additional obstacles. Coordinating as a team and developing the app flow was another challenge we navigated. Finally, the amount of math we needed to solve for this project to work was very surprising.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Firstly, we have successfully developed a working Shuttle Tracker that displays real-time tracking, passenger counting, and driver notifications. Our interface is easy to use and we have demonstrated the viability of our solution. Additionally, the collaborative spirit and resilience of our team has been a source of great pride.

What we learned

We have learned about creativity, perseverance, and seeking help from those with more experience. We learned not to give up on challenges, to think innovatively, and to seek answers to our questions through the internet and mentors. All this helped us develop this innovative solution.

What's next for Shuttle Tracker

Our immediate plan for Shuttle Tracker is to upload and wait for the app to be approved by the App Store, as this approval process can take one to three days. Once the app is available on this platform, we will be able to ensure broader reach and usability for all users. Also, the next phase will be to report our success to company managers and train Walmart Shuttle drivers. By working closely with drivers and management, we can address any concerns, answer questions, and ensure a smooth transition to this improved service.