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Service Solution

Feb 4, 2021 | 2020 ISSUE, Department of Civil Engineering(CIVE), INNOVATION

Service Solution

2020 ISSUE, Department of Civil Engineering(CIVE), INNOVATION

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It is no surprise that the Jitneys, or as they’re known locally “Service”, have been at the heart of the country for years. The latter are the main providers of public transport in Beirut, serving up to 20% of the city’s population. The problems that arise with this segment of public transport are divided into two categories, those affecting the user of the service and those affecting the provider of the service. “Service” drivers are facing major reductions in revenue and drivers are suffering greatly from competitions within the market. The problems the user face directly affects their overall satisfaction of the service, such as long waiting times and many delays.

That being said, an FYP group from the Civil Engineering Department decided to produce an alternative to resolve these issues. The members are Ahmad Al Bukhari, Georges Dimitri, Ihab Al Hafi, Kamal Zrein, & Kinda Chakas, in addition they are one of the few shortlisted groups to have the privilege of being selected as part of The MSFEA Accelerator Program. They devised an idea that would work on regulating the system rather than setting up a new system .

 

 

The way it works is that the online web server receives information from both parties; the trip origin, destination and trip fare from the passenger along with the location, cumulative balance, seats available, and assigned route from the driver. The features within the app provide an enhanced level of service to both entities, from an efficiency boost in circulation to the reduction of cost on the driver through the assigning of a stop hub. In addition, it contains a feature that optimizes & rearranges the last ride of the driver to end at his home’s location. Another interesting feature is the increase or reduction of the wait time of a passenger, if the passenger decides to keep the fare at a minimum the maximum waiting time would be 7 minutes, if the passenger is willing to increase the fare that time would drop. Finally, to ensure ultimate safety and comfort the app holds a feature that lights a synchronized display between both entities profiles on the app upon pick up. The server works by searching for Jitneys within a 2.5 KM radius of the passenger. This request would only be forwarded to drivers that can accept the ride as a first step. As a next step, the “Optimal_route” function would kick in in order to calculate what is best for both driver’s cost & passenger’s delay time; finally, the app will match the most feasible combination. Therefore, this algorithm will be divided into three sub-parts: Passenger’s Application, Driver’s Application, and The Server.

The project has two major disciplines, Computer & Communication Engineering as well as Civil Engineering, which fall under a combined heading of Intelligent Transport System (ITS), which is a trending field within the modern world that focuses on solving traffic and congestion problems whilst enhancing road safety. This goes out to show the continuous innovation & efforts put by the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering & Architecture to ensure its pioneering role within the region.

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Projects such as these are vital to the improvement of our communities. This project enhances the Road Safety, Road Traffic, and Organization of the Jitney Sector. The group is hopeful that after the implementation of this system a significant shift would be witnessed in the public transportation sector, which in hand would work on creating a more sustainable, and enjoyable experience. Our very own Civil & Environmental Engineering Department played a supportive role in the achievement of such an FYP; it provides courses that develop interdisciplinary skills within their curriculum.
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