Project 1 - Project Proposal
Problem space:
Malaysia transportation infrastructure.
Malaysia's transport infrastructure is underutilized and exploited in some areas. It has untapped potential waiting to be further developed and implemented. In this post we delve into some problems in this problem space and propose a solution for the problems.
Problems:
1. High fare costs
E-hailing services in Malaysia do not recommend the best route in terms of cost-savings. They do not help the user in reaching their destinations cheaply by integrating public transportation. This is because all e-hailing apps in Malaysia only provide direct routes with cars and taxis. Due to the monopoly of Grab in Malaysia, they have artificially inflated fares much to the dismay of users. The higher costs provides a financial barrier to users with low financial abilities without cars. Higher fares also worsen the user experience.
2. Inaccurate pinpointing
Have difficulties pinpointing user and arrival location. As the current GPS systems utilized by e-hailing services is not accurate enough, users are forced to walk a certain distance before they could reach the pick-up location specified by the app. This is even worse during the raining and hot seasons as it exposes the user to rain and heat which is highly inconvenient and discomforting to the user. Thus resulting in bad user experience.
3. E-hailing services in Malaysia are susceptible to bad traffic conditions.
During traffic congestion, Grab cars might take 20 minutes and up. This is bad for both the user and the driver, this is because the user has to wait for the driver to be stuck in traffic for 20 minutes just to pick them up, and another excruciating 20 more to arrive at the destination. Typical e-hailing services do not help the user to save time, in areas of frequent congestion problems, there is no option of motorcycles to speed up the pick-up and drop-off process and users are forced to only choose from the options of cars.
Solution:
The proposed application is named "Jom Pergi! (JOGI)" - a public transport-integrated e-hailing app. The motto is 'Joyful Operation, Great Infrastructure'. It is an improved all-encompassing e-hailing app that integrates the existing public transport infrastructure with improved usability in regards to costs, transport options, pinpointing, and navigation. The app is also available in multiple languages for international users. The solution achieves SDGs 8 (Decent work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
The newly proposed application provides additional route planning using motorcycles and public transport. The newly proposed application can integrate public transport into the travel options by providing a public transport flowchart to the user. This is to increase utilization of the public transport infrastructure readily available in all cities. The solution will have an algorithm to calculate the estimated fares and time required for the trip, another algorithm will then compare the alternatives with the generic option of cars for the user to choose. This widens the user's usability by providing more options in terms of time and costs.
The proposed app will utilize a better map database or collaborate with Google Maps to have an updated map in case the regional roads rules have been changed. For example, some roads being converted to permanent one-way roads, routes through new residential areas, or changes in shop names and building names. The updated pinpointing system has the ability of accurate pinpointing and prevents the user from going to the wrong location than intended. The increased convenience also protects the user from bad and extreme weather such as blazing sun and heavy rain. Hence this feature aims to improve the user experience before getting on the car.
The new application will also be integrating real-time traffic data and refining algorithms for location estimation. It can collaborate with Waze or similar services to obtain real-time traffic situation of the proposed routes. The option of selecting alternative routes can greatly reduce the chances of getting stuck in traffic, as users who are familiar with the area can avoid high congestion areas when choosing routes. Normally this is under the discretion of the driver, however, not all drivers have the precise knowledge of faster routes. Hence, this feature ensures more efficient travel times and better user experience.
Target groups:
1) University students on a tight budget
What this target group has is time, but they don't have money. Then, by integrating the public transport system, it allows the university students a cheaper option to get from Point A to Point B by sacrificing a little bit of their time while still maintaining the maximum comfort under a minimum budget.
2) Travelers unfamiliar with local transportation systems
This is because the travelers might not be able to identify nearby landmarks or read the signboard/posts nearby. Thus rendering them unable to identify their current location. For traveler unfamiliar with the local transportation system, a better pinpoint system will allow said travelers to more easily secure a transport to their desired locations. For example, a Japanese traveler who does not understand the local language is unable to identify the road names or nearby stores will be able to secure/reserve rides with more accurate location pinpointing. This solution also allows travelers to access the public transport for cheaper travel options. The solution also helps travelers who are in a rush by comparing multiple options with faster routes or transport options.
3) Residents unfit to drive
For people with disabilities who are unable to drive, the app will provide than a faster mode of travel as compared to walking while handicapped. A better pinpoint system would allow people such as old people or those with physical disabilities have easier access to the car by letting them choose their pick-up point. By integrating public transport, the app can plan a clearly defined route consisting of different transport combinations. Thus these users can travel to their desired location worry-free as now they have more confidence when switching busses or vehicles.
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