SafeRide (KZ)

School: Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Astana

SafeRide is an innovative web application designed to leverage technology for the advancement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily focusing on Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Our solution aims to enhance the safety of taxi passengers, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable groups, women, aligning with the objective of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable as outlined in Goal 11. SafeRide incorporates the following key features:

1) SafeRide uses user-defined keywords to proactively detect risks. If a user repeats a keyword three times consecutively, the system automatically notifies their designated contacts, contributing to a safer urban environment.

2) The app uses real-time speech recognition to identify words spoken in a conversation. If the system detects aggressive, profanity or other words with abusive connotations in the speech, it automatically informs the user's close contacts, police and ambulance service about the cab's license plate number, its current location and information about the driver. For example, "don't yell or it will get worse". This functionality promotes accountability, in line with Goal 16's emphasis on effective institutions and accountability.

3) Passengers have the option to document their taxi rides by taking photographs and recording the cab's license number. In case of emergencies or incidents, this information, along with the taxi's geolocation, is shared with close contacts of the user. This feature enhances safety, encourages transparency, and supports the overarching goal of creating safer and more resilient cities.

4) The app has a database containing cab numbers and photos of drivers previously involved in abusive cases. This database acts as a preventive measure, ensuring that repeat offenders are identified and addressed promptly. It aligns with Goal 11's objectives, optimizing resource utilization and improving urban safety.

Sustainable Development Goals:
Goal 9: SafeRide harnesses technology and innovation to improve the safety of urban transportation. By using real-time speech recognition and user-defined keywords, it enhances the infrastructure of taxi services, making them safer for passengers. This technological innovation helps create a more efficient and reliable transportation system.

Goal 11: SafeRide directly addresses Goal 11 by making cities safer and more inclusive. It provides a tool for individuals, especially vulnerable groups like women, to feel secure when using taxi services. The app's features, such as documenting taxi rides and sharing information with close contacts, contribute to creating resilient and sustainable urban environments where people can move about safely.

Goal 16: SafeRide plays a significant role in promoting Goal 16 by fostering accountability and strengthening institutions. It proactively detects and reports risks, ensuring that individuals have a mechanism to seek justice and protection when faced with harassment or violence during taxi rides. By sharing information with the police and ambulance services, SafeRide enhances the effectiveness of institutions responsible for ensuring public safety and justice.