RailShare

Logo of the project
Europe interrail network map

Our solution

RailsShare is a go-to platform for planning train trips while prioritizing sustainability and social connections. Inspired by a interrail journey that we took some months ago, where we enjoyed meeting fellow travelers, RailsShare aims to recreate this experience for other passengers.

RailsShare takes your train trip details and generates routes from start to finish. But to get this objective, it uses smart algorithms that identifie other users traveling along similar routes. By matching travelers with shared interests, RailsShare helps form travel groups, making your journey not only eco-friendly but also socially rewarding.

And it's not just about getting from A to B. RailsShare suggests events and activities at various stops along your route, giving you the chance to explore new places and bond with your travel companions.

Challenges we run into

Developing RailsShare presented challenges, but our team rose to the occasion and overcame them through collaboration and comunication. We encountered difficulties in sourcing a reliable correspondence API and establishing a seamless connection with it. Making sure everything worked smoothly took a lot of careful work to connect everything properly and fix any problems, so data could flow easily through the platform

Additionally, determining the distance between users based on their preferences and devising personalized travel routes required extensive discussion and refinement. Exploring various algorithms allowed us to find the optimal balance between accuracy and efficiency, enhancing user satisfaction and engagement.

What is next for RailShare?

Looking ahead, our vision for RailsShare would be to build a vast network of travelers across Europe, connecting a large community of passengers who share similar interests and values in sustainable travel. We would like to improve the trip planning tool, making routes fit the preferences of each group of travelers better. With more time, we would have also liked to optimize the algorithm by considering train schedules, travel times, transportation stops, and comprehensive travel guides with recommendations for accommodations and meals. The final goal of developing RailsShare would be to provide a seamless and personalized travel experience, empowering users to explore Europe in a sustainable and enriching social way.