Introduction With increasing fuel costs, traffic congestion, and environmental concerns, the need for shared transportation has become more important than ever. The Carpool Connect mobile application is designed to provide a smart, efficient, and eco-friendly platform that connects drivers and passengers traveling along similar routes. This app aims to simplify the process of finding and sharing rides, thereby reducing travel expenses, minimizing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable transportation habits. Objectives The main objectives of this project are: 1. To design and develop a user-friendly mobile application that facilitates ride-sharing among individuals traveling to similar destinations. 2. To reduce individual travel costs by allowing passengers to share fuel and toll expenses with drivers. 3. To decrease traffic congestion and pollution through increased vehicle occupancy. 4. To ensure safety and reliability through verified profiles, ratings, and in-app communication. 5. To integrate real-time tracking and digital payment features for convenience and transparency. Problem Statement Many people travel daily using private vehicles with empty seats, while others struggle to find affordable and comfortable transportation options. Existing ride-sharing solutions are often limited by region or lack essential features such as route-based matching, secure payments, and trust mechanisms. This project aims to bridge this gap by developing a comprehensive, location-based carpooling platform that efficiently connects riders and drivers, ensuring safety, affordability, and ease of use. Project Scope The Carpool Connect app will include the following functionalities: • User registration and login (as driver or passenger) • Ride posting and search based on location, date, and time • Real-time GPS tracking and navigation • In-app communication (chat/call between users) • Online payment integration • Ratings and reviews for user credibility • Admin dashboard for monitoring and management The app will be developed for both Android and iOS platforms, with a cloud-based backend supporting real-time data synchronization. System Overview The system consists of three primary components: 1. Mobile Application: The front-end interface for users (drivers and passengers) 2. Backend Server: Manages business logic, authentication, payments, and data storage 3. Database and APIs: Stores user data, ride details, and transaction records, integrated with APIs like Google Maps and Razorpay for geolocation and payments. Features • User Authentication (Email/Phone OTP) • Ride Creation and Search • Real-time GPS Tracking • Automatic Fare Calculation • Secure Online Payments • Push Notifications and Alerts • Ratings & Reviews • Admin Control Panel Expected Outcome The expected outcomes of this project include: • A fully functional carpooling mobile application that connects riders and drivers efficiently. • Reduction in individual transportation costs and traffic congestion. • Enhanced user trust and safety through verification and feedback systems. • Promotion of eco-friendly commuting practices in urban areas