EDIR

Edir is the ride-sharing platform exclusively designed for UTD students. Whether you’re heading off-campus for groceries, or exploring the city, Edir makes it easy to find or offer a ride.

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Inspiration

We have noticed that many students face challenges commuting to campus every day, and those living on campus without a car struggle to go to locations near campus, forcing them to compromise on plans made. Personally, we have seen many of our friends struggle with the lack of affordable transportation because Uber or Lyft tends to be costly and unsafe. EDIR helps UTD students find safer, more cost-efficient, and faster routes to their destinations. Using EDIR, we are not only helping students move around, but we are also reducing air pollution, carbon emissions, and traffic congestion. Did you know that a carpool with four riders can reduce greenhouse gases by 12,000 pounds yearly?

What it does

EDIR is a web platform that allows UTD students to connect for ride-sharing. Students with cars can post available rides, specifying their destinations, while others looking for transportation can join these rides. It’s a win-win: drivers can cover up their fuel costs, and passengers have access to a trusted and affordable ride with fellow UTD students.

How we built it

We developed the website using HTML and CSS for the front end and integrated it with Firebase for data storage and management. The Google Maps API was used for mapping source and destination points, ensuring smooth navigation. The application is powered by Flask, which serves as the backend framework to tie everything together

Challenges we ran into

As a team of freshmen and hackathon beginners, we encountered several hurdles: Learning Curve: Only one team member had prior experience with front-end development and Flask, so the rest of us had to quickly learn the basics before implementing the features. Database Integration: Integrating Firebase with our website proved challenging, as none of us had substantial experience with database management. Time Management: Balancing learning new technologies with implementing them was tricky given the limited time.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Despite the challenges, we achieved several milestones: Successfully developing a functional website, especially as first-time hackathon participants. Creating a user-friendly and visually appealing UI with practical real-world application potential. Rapidly learning new technologies like Flask and HTML, and effectively coordinating as a team to bring our vision to life.

What we learned

Flask basics and its integration with other technologies. The fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and front-end design. Working with Firebase for real-time database management. The importance of team coordination and communication in overcoming challenges.

What's next for EDIR

We aim to: Enhance Features: Add real-time ride-tracking and notification systems for riders and drivers. Improve Usability: Create a more user-friendly interface and mobile app version. Strengthen Safety Measures: Implement a student ID verification system to ensure only UTD students can access the platform. Promote Sustainability: Partner with the university to promote carpooling and reward eco-friendly practices.

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