Future convenient & real-time car pooling

Carpool 2.0

Carpool 2.0 faces hurdles; here is one tough challenge for a math genius:

There are infinite ways to divide a path from starting point to final destination.  Computer program must quickly calculate a minimum number of intermediate transfers plus optimal transfer location for each passenger to reach destination.  Every transfer extends travel time plus adds complication.  Yet network software must create high probability that drivers are willing to pick up passenger plus to deliver to drop-off location.  When only few drivers are available, computer must insist that driver deliver passenger to location within walking distance of final destination because it is unlikely another driver will be available to complete a trip once started.  During rush hour or while many drivers are available on network, probability is high that drivers will choose passengers.  Software creates efficient non-stop to maximum of three intermediate transfer points.  This computer program is mathematically complex as it needs to factor in the time of day, the traffic, complex road system, weather condition, inclusion of a short walk, and also back-up transportation as bus, train, taxis when drivers are insufficient for the needs of all passengers.  Refinements and optimizations are anticipated with this program for each city, sub-district, and neighborhood.  We need help of math and computer science geniuses.

Hurdles

Trust:

Confidence that the network can safeguard and not abuse information registered on network for other commercial purposes or by government and private entities to monitor citizens.  Carrying a cell phone, our whereabouts can already be monitored and our conversations eve-dropped.  There is a balance of minimum personal information required versus what is needed in order to perform a back-ground check.  Perhaps other forms of personal identification and registration are more efficient.  We ask for support from government to provide databases and to create laws that safeguard all our privacy.  Goal of registering personal information is to allow electronic back-ground check against databases and the goal of back-ground check is to provide screening so that drivers can trust the passengers they are picking up and that passengers can trust the drivers on the network.

Safety:

Trust and safety are related yet different.  Both are complicated and more difficult hurdles to overcome than the challenges of integrating technologies.  Men are less likely to be concerned with safety.  It is goal to provide a network where women drivers and women passengers feel safe to use this network.  A higher level of safety is reached when parents feel comfortable to allow their teenage daughters to use the network.  The highest level of safety is reached when young people can use the carpool network at night.  No system can offer 100% safety but we strive to achieve higher level of safety and to minimize abuse.  The whereabouts of both drivers and passengers will be supplied to police to speed up investigation following criminal activities.  This is a deterrent but is after the fact.  We may not achieve the highest level of safety; therefore, we welcome suggestions and inputs.