Driving Change: How an Open-Source Carpooling Platform Can Democratize Transportation

Imagine this: You land in one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. You’re eager to explore its sights and immerse yourself in the local culture, but as soon as you step out of Goa’s MOPA airport, reality hits — the only way to get to the main cities is by:

A. Asking a friend to pick you up;

B. Taking the bus (you have to wait, as there is often a long gap between buses, and it’s an option available only before 4PM); or

C. Taking a taxi — the fastest and most convenient option, which is also the most expensive. If you’re truly unfortunate (or just a terrible negotiator), you can expect to pay as much as your flight ticket just to get to your hotel room!

Since airports in Goa offer nothing spectacular in terms of transportation to and from the terminal (re an affordable and punctual metro link), that leaves option C as the likeliest route you’ll take if you want to get anywhere anytime soon. To your utter frustration, you discover that no taxi driver is willing to give you a ride at a reasonable rate. Even the government-approved taxi stands showcase prices that could leave a 5-star concierge gasping for air.

This is a situation faced by countless travelers who regularly find themselves at the mercy of taxi drivers when trying to travel within the state. It’s a problem I’ve personally faced countless times and it’s an issue I truly want to do something about.

The lack of affordable transportation options limits accessibility for both tourists and locals alike. It stifles the joy of spontaneous exploration and puts a damper on the entire travel experience. I can’t help but wonder: what if there was a better way out there? What if we could create an affordable, sustainable transportation solution that empowered locals and tourists alike?

This is the vision that sparked my idea for an open-source, decentralised carpooling platform — one that incentivises car owners to share their cars with fellow travellers, and one that any developer, anywhere, can easily download from a Github repo and put to use in their corner of the world.

A Problem Not Unique to Goa: Exorbitant Taxi Fares

While Goa’s transportation crisis might seem like a localized issue, it’s symptomatic of larger problems that also plague many other places all over the word. (I should add a caveat here that the problem of expensive taxi fares is only a drop in the bucket of the several interwoven economic crises Goa currently faces which directly and indirectly contribute to extravagant taxi fares).

Taxi fares differ wildly depending on where you’re looking and they’re dependent on a complex number of factors — supply, demand, local economic conditions, government regulation, union power, infrastructure, and even cultural norms.

The issue is particularly acute in Goa, with the taxi union being the primary culprit that keeps fares artificially high and competition non-existent.

Let’s break down how this works:

1. Monopoly on Transportation: The Goan taxi union has effectively created a monopoly, squeezing out any potential competition. This lack of alternatives leaves tourists and locals with no choice but to pay their inflated prices.
2. Resistance to Technology: While the rest of India embraces ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber, Goa’s taxi union has steadfastly resisted these technological advancements. Their argument? That it would hurt local drivers. The reality? It’s protecting their ability to charge exorbitant fares without accountability.
3. Political Clout: The taxi union wields significant political influence, often pressuring local government to maintain the status quo. This political backing makes it challenging to implement reforms or introduce competition.
4. Lack of Standardization: Unlike in major cities where metered taxis are the norm, Goa’s taxis operate without meters. This absence of standardization allows drivers to quote arbitrary fares, often taking advantage of tourists unfamiliar with local rates.
5. Seasonal Price Gouging: During peak tourist seasons, taxi fares can skyrocket even further. A ride that might cost 1000 rupees in the off-season could easily double or triple during holidays.

To put this into perspective, let’s compare Goa’s taxi fares to other parts of India:

In Mumbai, a 5km cab ride might set you back 150–200 rupees. In Goa? Brace yourself for anything between 800–3000 rupees for the same distance. This astronomical difference isn’t just hurting wallets — it’s costing lives: As someone who’s lived in Goa, I’ve witnessed firsthand the cocktail of cheap alcohol and exorbitant taxi fares. It’s a lethal combination that’s forcing both locals and tourists into a terrible choice: pay a small fortune for a safe ride home or risk their lives by drinking and driving.

Moreover, these high fares have a ripple effect on Goa’s economy. They increase the cost of living for locals, inflate prices for goods that need to be transported, and ultimately tarnish Goa’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.

The taxi union’s stranglehold on transportation in Goa is more than just an economic issue — it’s a safety issue, an accessibility issue, and ultimately, a threat to the very charm that makes Goa a beloved destination. It’s clear that a solution is desperately needed — one that can break this monopoly and provide fair, affordable transportation for all.

The Solution: A Decentralised Carpooling Platform

This isn’t just another ride-sharing app idea; it’s a community-driven, technology-enabled ecosystem designed to democratize transportation and put power back into the hands of the people. This would also functionally surpass and be much more user-friendly than other open-source ride-sharing projects out there such as Libretaxi.

Here’s how this platform could potentially work:

1. Peer-to-Peer Connections: At its core, the platform connects travelers with drivers who are willing to share their vehicles.
2. Altruism-Driven Model: Unlike traditional ride-sharing apps, this platform operates on a paymentless solution. Instead of monetary transactions, usage is incentivised through the distribution of virtual points.
3. Decentralized Architecture: The platform is built on a decentralized framework, meaning there’s no single instance being run. This makes it impossible for any authority to ban the project or for any individual or entity to claim ownership or take control of the project for their own selfish gains.
4. Community Governance: Users of the platform form a self-governing community, setting their own rules and standards. This ensures that the platform remains true to its original purpose and adapts to the needs of its users.
5. Flexible Options: Users can choose to offer or request rides, rent out their vehicles, or even coordinate shared rentals for longer trips.
6. Safety Measures: While operating on trust, the platform incorporates safety features such as user ratings, verification processes, and community policing to ensure a safe experience for all users.

This platform isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about creating connections, fostering community, and making cities more accessible for everyone. By leveraging technology and the inherent hospitality of people, we can create a transportation solution that’s affordable, efficient, and uniquely tailored to local needs.

A simple UML diagram that describes the platform’s architecture.

Building the Platform: Looking for Collaborators

This idea isn’t just a pipe dream — it’s a vision that could revolutionize transportation in Goa and potentially serve as a model for other localities facing similar challenges. However, turning this vision into reality requires a collaborative effort from passionate individuals with diverse skills and expertise.

I’m looking for innovators, dreamers, and doers who share my passion for creating solutions and improving lives. If you’re excited about the potential of this platform and want to be part of something transformative, I want to hear from you.

Specifically, I’m looking for collaborators in the following areas:

1. Software Development: Skilled developers experienced in building decentralized applications. Expertise in peer-to-peer networks and mobile app development would be particularly valuable.
2. UI/UX Design: Usability is key. For that this project needs designers who can create an intuitive, user-friendly interface that’s accessible to both tech-savvy users and those less familiar with digital platforms.
3. Local Goan Experts: We’re seeking individuals with deep knowledge of Goa’s transportation ecosystem, cultural nuances, and local networks. Your insights will be invaluable in tailoring the platform to Goa’s specific needs.
4. Community Management: Building and nurturing a community is crucial for this platform. Individuals skilled in community engagement, moderation, and growth strategies will be at the heart of this project.
5. Legal Expertise: Given the innovative nature of this platform, we’ll need legal minds to help navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure we’re operating within legal frameworks.
6. Marketing and Outreach: To make this platform a success, this project will need creative minds to develop and execute marketing strategies that resonate with both locals and tourists.
7. Sustainability Experts: The platform must contribute positively to Goa’s environment. Expertise in sustainable transportation and eco-friendly practices would be a great asset.
8. Data Analytics: As the platform grows, we’ll need to analyze usage patterns and user feedback to continually improve our service. Skills in data analysis and interpretation will be crucial.

Reminder: This is NOT a business opportunity — it’s a chance to be part of a movement that could significantly improve life for people not just in Goa but all over the world. We’re building a platform by cultivating a community, promoting sustainable practices, and potentially changing the face of transportation.

If you have skills in these areas, or if you bring other expertise that you think could contribute to this vision, do get in touch. Even if you’re not sure how you could contribute but are passionate about the idea, reach out. Innovation often comes from unexpected places, and your unique perspective could be just what this project needs.

In Conclusion…

Here’s how you can contribute to this project:

1. Share Your Experiences: Have you encountered issues with taxi services? Your stories can help us better understand the problem and refine our solution. Comment or reach out to me directly.
2. Spread the Word: If you believe in the potential of this platform, share this article with your network. The more people who know about this initiative, the better our chances of attracting the right collaborators and building momentum.
3. Offer Your Expertise: If you have skills or knowledge that could contribute to building this platform, we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a developer, designer, legal expert, or have local insights, your expertise could be invaluable.
4. Provide Feedback: What do you think about this idea? Do you see potential challenges or opportunities we haven’t considered? Your input can help shape the development of this platform.
5. Stay Informed: Follow me to receive updates on the project’s progress and learn about opportunities to get involved as we move forward.
6. Funding and Resources: If you’re in a position to offer financial support or other resources to help get this project off the ground, I’d love to connect with you.

If you’d like to get in touch: me@aalapdavjekar.com.