CampusRide

Inspiration

Students often need bikes or scooters, while others have vehicles sitting unused. CampusRide connects owners and renters so students can earn from their vehicles and others can access affordable transportation.

What it does

CampusRide lets students list bikes and scooters for rent and browse available vehicles. Owners set pickup locations and manage bookings; renters book by the hour and see pickup details. Admins moderate listings. AI generates descriptions and suggests pricing. How we built it We used React and TypeScript for the frontend, Firebase for authentication and data, Google Gemini for AI features, and OpenStreetMap for maps. The app includes user accounts, vehicle listings, real-time booking notifications, and interactive maps.

Challenges we ran into

Google Maps API issues led us to switch to OpenStreetMap and add geocoding fallbacks. Firebase Firestore indexing required careful query design and error handling. Gemini integration needed prompt tuning and graceful degradation. We simplified the booking flow, clarified status indicators, and ensured mobile responsiveness. Deployment involved managing API keys, Firebase configuration, and security rules.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We built a working platform with AI-generated descriptions, real-time booking notifications, interactive maps, and a smooth booking flow. Owners can manage listings and earnings; renters can browse, book, and coordinate pickups. The platform reduces transportation costs, promotes sustainability, and builds community.

What we learned

We deepened our React and TypeScript skills and learned Firebase (Auth, Firestore, Storage). Integrating Google Gemini taught us prompt engineering and error handling. We implemented OpenStreetMap for location services and geocoding. On the product side, we focused on user experience, iterative design, and balancing performance with functionality.

What's next for CampusRide

We plan to add a mobile app, payment integration, analytics, and multi-campus expansion. We’ll refine AI features, improve maps, and add features like reviews and ratings.