Student Creates Carpool App to Save Time, Money and the Environment

A 17-year-old student in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has developed a carpooling app designed to reduce traffic, carbon footprint and transportation costs – with parents happily on board taking turns in getting some extra, much-appreciated morning rest!

When Aadit Palicha, from Gems Modern Academy, pitched his sustainable solution to the traffic problem, he gained the support of seven schools as well as a grant of AED 53,550 from the Emirates NBD bank to bring the app to life.

The GoPool app launched on September 11, and parents were quick to start using it, scheduling turns to pick up other parents’ kids on their way to school. Parents have so far saved a total of 265 litres of fuel – preventing 634 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions – each week.

“Using Go Pool regularly would save them on an average Dh2,635 annually besides all the headache and bother and wear and tear of the automobile and also providing a sustainable community solution to the issue,” explains Palisha, whose app has helped schedule 53 weekly carpooling rides.