Relay
Project Overview
Relay reimagines carpooling for parents by connecting families in the same community who need rides for their children to similar destinations. Born from the challenges of coordinating children's transportation to schools and activities, Relay builds a network of trusted parents who can share driving responsibilities.
The app helps reduce individual transportation burdens while strengthening community bonds. Parents can easily find other verified parents with matching routes and schedules, making coordination simple and secure.
Key Features
- Secure Verification: Checking user identity and driving history for all users to ensure safety.
- Smart Matching: A smart algorithm that pairs parents based on shared routes, schedules, and nearby locations.
- Live Tracking: Real-time GPS tracking with ongoing ETA updates for added peace of mind.
- AI Notifications: Automatic alerts for pick-ups, drop-offs, and schedule changes.
- In-app Messaging: Seamless communication between parents and drivers, all within the app.
- Flexible Scheduling: Easily set up one-time rides, recurring trips, or adjust for special situations.
- Digital Check-in: A digital system to confirm ride start and end times for added accountability.
- Safety First: All drivers undergo thorough background checks with complete history reviews.
- Emergency System: Instantly access emergency contacts during any ride, directly from the app.
Challenges
Building Relay came with several unique hurdles:
- Trust Building: Creating a system where parents feel comfortable entrusting their children's transportation to others.
- Verification Process: Developing a thorough yet user-friendly verification system that doesn't create excessive friction.
- Route Optimization: Building an algorithm that efficiently matches families based on location and timing.
- Battery Efficiency: Implementing real-time tracking without draining device batteries.
- Scheduling Complexity: Managing recurring rides with exceptions and handling last-minute changes.
Reflection
Creating Relay taught me how technology can strengthen communities while solving practical problems. The project highlighted the importance of building trust into every aspect of an app when children's safety is involved.
Working with React Native and Firebase helped me develop skills in creating seamless mobile experiences with real-time features. Managing complex notification systems and location tracking pushed me to optimize for both functionality and performance.
The most rewarding part was seeing how the app could reduce transportation burdens while creating new connections between families. Future improvements could include integration with school calendars and expanded community features.