To-Go: A Secure Ride-Hailing App with Advanced Route

Optimization and VoIP for Enhanced User Experience for Nigeria

Transport System

Stephen S. Oyewobi

, Abdulkadir Olayinka Abdulbaki

, Lawal O. Lawal

and Bala Abdulfattah Emi

Department of Telecommunications Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Keywords: Ride-Hailing, Route Optimization, VoIP, User Experience, Security, Mobile Application, Transportation.

Abstract: To-Go is an innovative ride-hailing platform that provides users with a secure, efficient, and seamless

transportation experience. Leveraging advanced route optimization algorithms and integrated Voice over

Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, To-Go minimizes travel time and enhances user engagement. The app's

robust security features ensure rider safety and driver accountability, utilizing real-time GPS tracking, in-app

emergency response, and rigorous driver vetting processes. To-Go's intuitive interface and VoIP-enabled

communication enable effortless ride scheduling, live support, and seamless driver-rider interactions. As an

app intended to boost user satisfaction in Nigeria To-Go delivers precise routes and secure VoIP interactions.

It resolves the safety and communication obstacles typical in this field. Through the application of

sophisticated algorithms and VoIP tools. To-Go delivers a dependable platform for secure and efficient rides

fostering smart transportation innovations in Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION

The entry of ride-hailing applications in Nigeria has

resulted in major changes to transportation in notable

cities. Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt have

specifically adopted these apps, expecting them to be

more successful than conventional taxi services. Even

though they are popular, limitations exist that

constrain user experience (Chiatoh, 2020) (Olayode et

al., 2023). The fundamental concerns currently

include safety for drivers and passengers, the

preservation of data privacy, and the larger question of

fraud. Besides, route algorithm optimization in some

apps might lead to suboptimal directions, which can

cause lengthier travel durations and increased

passenger costs (Adekoya et al., 2023). Specifically,

difficulties that limit users’ ability to interact on these

platforms may arise, thereby leading to

communication conflicts for both drivers and riders.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1925-6490

https://orcid.org/0000-0008-3747-0272

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4858-5890

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9227-321X

To mitigate these weaknesses, the idea of To-Go

was formed. A creative ride-hailing service that

primarily considers the user experience and strives to

better its security framework.

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Review of Related Works

The ride-hailing sector has seen fast expansion and

change that greatly shifts urban transportation

patterns. In this field's forefront are platforms such as

Uber and inDrive that use technology to deliver

smooth and accessible transport choices for users. (Li

& Liu, 2021) conduct an important investigation into

enhancing matching algorithms in ride-hailing

systems. This research highlights the necessity of

ongoing improvement in matching algorithms to

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Oyewobi, S. S., Abdulbaki, A. O., Lawal, L. O. and Emi, B. A.

To-Go: A Secure Ride-Hailing App with Advanced Route Optimization and VoIP for Enhanced User Experience for Nigeria Transport System.

DOI: 10.5220/0013578900004639

In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Intelligent and Sustainable Power and Energy Systems (ISPES 2024), pages 114-118

ISBN: 978-989-758-756-6

satisfy changing user needs.

The adoption outcomes and effects of riding-

hailing services are analyzed by (Ofori et al., 2021) in

Nigeria. The research focuses on distinctive

difficulties that users encounter in Nigeria including

censorship and infrastructure issues. The examination

of existing literature reveals that the industry offering

ride-sharing services is diverse with several factors

such as evaluation of user comfort, safety and

technology progress. To keep pace with advancement,

this sector's needs further research.

2.2 To-Go vs. Existing System

Uber and InDrive use Geo-location mapping that

identifies a device's location by using network routing

addresses to identify a device's location on a map.

However, To-go uses route optimization algorithms

and real-time data to plan the best route ensuring less

time and money is spent on trips.

2.3 Gaps in Current Research

Some areas of ride-hailing still call for further

investigation. There are still challenges of security

and user data privacy violation as well as the

availability of user-friendly App.

2.4 Major Contributions

The major contribution of this work is to build a

secure ride-hailing mobile application with advanced

route optimization and VoIP for enhanced user

experience with the following benefits 1) enhanced

security 2) advanced route optimization 3) improved

user experience.

SYSTEM DESIGN AND

IMPLEMENTATION

The micro services-based design in the work makes it

both agile and capable of adapting to the ongoing

changes in both rider and driver needs in Nigeria

(Dissanayake, 2020).

3.1 Routing

The route algorithm for route optimization used in this

work is a heuristic AI model that analyses historic

data, such as distance covered, weather information,

estimated delivery time, and real-time traffic

information. Then it suggests a route based on this

data.

The model also tracks the vehicle's movement and

determines if the route is optimal in real time.

At the beginning of a ride, the AI model conducts

a search from the arrival point to the destination to

determine all possible routes. Based on the factors

and the criteria mentioned above, the model selects

the optimal route.

The AI model was trained based on historical data

and real-time data such as current traffic and GPS

information. Therefore, the system was integrated

with Google API and was able to find and predict the

optimal route based on this given information.

3.2 Block Diagram

Figure 1: Overall system architecture for To-Go.

The block diagram in Figure 1 shows an outline of the

design of the To-Go system including components

such as the backend server deployment and database

setup along with features like route Optimization,

voice communication functionality, security,

payments and map services (Dissanayake, 2020)

(Hasan & Abul, 2018). The entire setup relies on

cloud infrastructure that allows for scalability and can

handle demand during peak hours. This is particularly

crucial, in populated regions of Nigeria (Ajiga et al.,

2024).

3.3 Rider and Driver App

Interconnection

3.3.1 User Registration and Authentication

The process begins by registering individuals who

wish to join the platform as either drivers or riders by

providing details during the account creation process.

A factor authentication system that merges regular

passwords with a one-time password (OTP) sent

through SMS—a method widely embraced in Nigeria

To-Go: A Secure Ride-Hailing App with Advanced Route Optimization and VoIP for Enhanced User Experience for Nigeria Transport

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for its ease of use and proven reliability is

implemented.

3.3.2 Ride Request Flow

When a user wants to use transportation, they open

the To-Go app and request a ride. After selecting a

pickup point, users can choose their preferred ride

type, such as a car, tricycle, bus, or bike, based on

their needs. Additionally, users can easily set a

budget.

3.3.3 Driver Matching Algorithm

Once a ride is requested, the advanced algorithm

evaluates several factors to identify the best driver: 1)

The rider's location, 2) The driver's current rating, 3)

The type of vehicle, 4) The driver's acceptance rate.

A notification is then sent to the selected drivers,

giving them the option to accept the ride. If a driver

declines, the system quickly moves on to the next best

option, ensuring minimal wait time for the rider.

Figure 2 presents visual illustration of the

complex interaction of data and the decisions made at

each stage—from the initial ride request to its final

conclusion.

3.3.4 Emergency Features

Safety is top priority in this work. Both the rider and

driver applications have a clearly visible SOS button.

When activated, it immediately connects users with a

support team and shares their real-time location.

Figure 2: User and driver App interconnection flowchart.

3.4 Security Features and Their

Implementation

Figure 3: Security architecture.

This section outlines the security architecture and

components of the To-Go app, Figure 3 illustrates

these features. As can be seen the security architecture

encompass the following features: 1) authentication,

2) authorization, 3) encryption, 4) audit logging, 5)

regular security audits and 5) compliance with data

protection regulations.

3.5 Route Optimization Algorithm

The To-Go app requires a crucial route optimization

algorithm that aims to enhance both user satisfaction

and productivity by supplying the most efficient

routes for trips. Figure 4 presents the route

optimization algorithm flowchart.

Figure 4: Security architecture.

As can be seen the security architecture encompass the

following features: 1) authentication, 2) authorization,

3) encryption, 4) audit logging, 5) regular security

ISPES 2024 - International Conference on Intelligent and Sustainable Power and Energy Systems

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audits and 5) compliance with data protection

regulations.

3.6 Route Optimization Algorithm

The To-Go app requires a crucial route optimization

algorithm that aims to enhance both user satisfaction

and productivity by supplying the most efficient

routes for trips. Figure 4 presents the route

optimization algorithm flowchart.

Figure 5: Route optimization flowchart.

3.7 VoIP Integration

With the aid of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

technology, the To-Go application assists in

coordinating conversation among drivers and riders

while upholding their private data protection. The

VoIP integration, as shown in Figure 5, operates as

follows: 1) initiate a call, 2) establish secure

connection 3) encrypt voice data 4) decrypt and play.

Figure 7: Integration of VoIP flowchart.

3.8 Database Design

The Entity relationship diagram in Figure 6 illustrates

the main entities and their relationships in the To-Go

database.

Figure 8: Entity relationship diagram.

EMPIRICAL RESULTS AND

DISCUSSION

4.1 Testing Methodologies

To ensure the reliability and performance of the To-

Go app, several testing methodologies were

employed:

4.1.1 Unit Testing

To verify that they performed correctly without

relying on interconnections, individual parts of the

application were unit tested.

4.1.2 Integration Testing

Integration testing serves the central purpose of

verifying the proper cooperation of all modules. The

focus was on understanding how the interaction of

user interface, backend services, and database played

out.

4.1.3 Security Testing

Security testing was performed to identify

vulnerabilities within the application

4.1.4 Penetration Test

A penetration test was conducted to mimic assaults

on the system.

4.1.5 Stress Test

Stress testing has been discovered to determine the

limit of the application by making it vulnerable to

To-Go: A Secure Ride-Hailing App with Advanced Route Optimization and VoIP for Enhanced User Experience for Nigeria Transport

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extreme circumstances.

4.1.6 User Acceptance Testing

User acceptance testing requires actual users to test

the app in a controlled environment to gather

feedback on its usability and functionality.

4.1.7 User Feedback

Preliminary user feedback suggests that a big portion

of users are content with the quick ride booking and

communication options they get.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, the To-Go app showcases a significant

improvement in Nigeria's ride-hailing scene,

presenting users with more efficient and reliable

solutions that facilitate their trip planning. To-Go

integrates route optimization and VoIP

communication to resolve major user challenges and

enhance safety and convenience.

This project shows its capacity to deliver benefits for

urban mobility improvement in Nigeria. However,

sustained efforts are needed to correct existing

limitations and respond to developing market

scenarios. To-Go intends to keep improving and

developing, targeting to be at the leading edge of the

ride-hailing market and pushing transportation

advances for its Nigerian customers.

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