Zamude pri šolskih vožnjah spodbudijo najstnika iz Dubaja, da vzpostavi storitev skupnega prevoza

A Dubai teenager has launched a successful community carpool service aimed at reducing school run delays and easing rush-hour congestion. More than 1,000 people have signed up to the free initiative, which was developed by 17-year-old Anvith Yalamanchili, an IB student at Dwight Global. His motivation stemmed from observing the increasing travel time for his brother to school in Dubai Sports City, which had risen from under 15 minutes to nearly 45 minutes over two years. Anvith noticed that the opening of three new schools in the area led to a surge in private vehicles, contributing to traffic bottlenecks. He observed that many of these cars originated from nearby neighborhoods such as Arabian Ranches and Sports City, often with empty seats. This realization prompted him to devise a solution that would allow residents to share rides during peak hours, thereby improving efficiency and reducing emissions. The carpool service operates through a dedicated website, communitycarpool.org, where users input their travel details and preferences. The platform automatically matches individuals based on proximity and route optimization. Initially, Anvith manually coordinated matches by plotting locations on a map, but as the number of participants grew, he implemented a more sophisticated system using the Haversine formula. This mathematical method calculates the shortest distance between two points on Earth’s surface, enabling the platform to determine optimal pairings based on users' coordinates. The system functions similarly to navigation tools like Google Maps, determining distances and suggesting compatible routes. Users can specify their preferred radius for matching, ensuring flexibility while maintaining safety and convenience. The current user base includes students, working professionals, and individuals traveling to recreational facilities, reflecting the service’s broad appeal. Anvith’s efforts have already attracted partnerships, notably with Damac, a prominent real estate developer. This collaboration has expanded the service’s reach among Damac employees, demonstrating its potential for broader application. Looking ahead, Anvith aims to scale the initiative within the UAE and eventually extend it to regions facing similar traffic challenges, such as parts of India and certain American cities. He has also assembled a team of interns to assist with promoting the platform in educational institutions and managing its technical aspects. This support network underscores his commitment to making the service sustainable and scalable. Anvith’s parents and peers have joined the platform, and the initial response has been largely positive, indicating a promising future for the initiative. Meanwhile, the UAE continues to explore innovative transportation solutions. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has identified several app-based school transport options for the upcoming 2026 academic year, including Careem, Uber School, Bolt School, and Yango School Rides. These services aim to provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional school buses, with Yango offering a pooled service in Al Barsha. Shashi Singh, director of operations at Yango, noted that the company has implemented rigorous vetting processes for drivers and conducts specialized training to ensure the safety of young passengers. Vehicles used for these services are equipped with security cameras, adding another layer of protection for students.