Via – A Ride-Sharing App Share: SoftTeco Score Awaiting client review n/a Date Published 2 November 2018 Reading Time 2-Minute Read Via is an international service that allows users to request a ride on the phone and share with other riders going the same way. About the Project Via is an Israeli startup that launched a ride-sharing app in New York City, Washington DC and Chicago. The service positions itself as a more affordable and environmentally conscious alternative to Uber as it promotes sharing rides with other commuters. Challenge SoftTeco was selected to develop two separate Android applications, one for riders and the other for drivers. The apps were to communicate with Via’s servers and exchange a vast range of data including riders’ information, pick-up and drop-off requests, drivers’ locations, ETAs and more. Solution The passenger app functions much like its competitors. The user’s location is automatically determined via GPS or it can be inputted manually. After the passenger inputs their pick-up and drop-off information, it gets sent to the server. The server analyzes the ride, bundles it together with similar route requests and pushes them to nearby drivers. The drivers’ app displays pick-up and drop-off locations for all the passengers and automatically builds an optimal route with a sophisticated guidance system. When passengers arrive at their destinations, they get automatically charged to their credit/debit card or Via Wallet an amount that depends on the time and distance traveled split between people that they shared the ride with. The app has a number of auxiliary features like drivers’ and passengers’ rating systems, help section and others. Results The app was released on time, meeting the specifications put forward by the client. SoftTeco continues its engagement with Via, providing support and working on updates in order to help Via provide better services for passengers and drivers alike.