Decentralized Ride Hailing platform based on Blockchain

Abstract

Introduction:
The evolution of decentralized technologies has opened up new possibilities in transforming traditional, centrally managed services. Ride-hailing platforms today often face challenges like high intermediary costs, limited transparency, and data privacy issues. This project explores an innovative approach to ride-hailing by leveraging blockchain technology, specifically the Solana network, to offer a secure, transparent, and cost-effective alternative. The proposed system integrates smart contracts, real-time GPS tracking, and user-friendly interfaces to facilitate direct peer-to-peer interaction.

Objectives:
The primary objectives of this project are to eliminate intermediaries in ride-hailing services, enhance transaction transparency and user privacy through blockchain, reduce service fees, and improve system reliability. Additionally, the project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a decentralized model in real-world urban mobility applications.

Methods:
The system architecture is designed using Next.js for the frontend interface and Web3.js to connect the frontend to the Solana blockchain. Smart contracts written in Rust are deployed on Solana to handle ride requests, fare calculations, and payment settlements. Google Maps API is integrated to enable route planning and live location tracking. The user interface ensures ease of interaction, while the backend smart contract logic facilitates secure, immutable, and automated operations. The platform promotes seamless booking, verification, and payment between drivers and riders without a centralized authority.

Results:
The decentralized system successfully demonstrated secure and efficient peer-to-peer ride booking. It reduced transaction costs by removing intermediary service providers and offered increased transparency in operations. Usability testing indicated smooth user interaction and ease of navigation through the Next.js interface. Scalability assessments showed that the system could handle multiple ride transactions concurrently with minimal delay, making it suitable for urban deployment. The financial model proved to be more beneficial for both riders and drivers compared to conventional platforms.

Conclusions:
This project highlights the potential of blockchain to revolutionize ride-hailing services by decentralizing control and empowering users. By utilizing Solana’s high-speed blockchain and smart contracts, the system ensures secure, real-time, and low-cost operations. It enhances user trust, improves transaction fairness, and contributes to the growing ecosystem of decentralized applications. Future improvements may include broader integration with mobile platforms and expansion to multi-modal transport options.