Tekla Amutenya

The NUST University Rideshare System is a sustainability initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint on the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) campus while enhancing mobility for students and staff. Initially, the project focused on sustainable business models in Namibia's trucking logistics industry. However, due to a lack of data and policy support, the focus shifted to sustainable mobility in higher education, where existing data and institutional alignment offered a stronger foundation for impact.

The rideshare system is designed to encourage carpooling among students and staff, leveraging technology to connect individuals traveling similar routes to and from campus. The project aligns with the university’s goals of fostering sustainability and serves as a practical demonstration of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. By integrating the project into NUST’s Institutional Core Course, students from various disciplines actively contribute to the platform's design, development, and implementation as part of their coursework, gaining academic credits in the process.

The system aims to reduce vehicle usage on campus, lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhance traffic safety, and promote a culture of collaboration and environmental responsibility. The project supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 4 (Quality Education) by fostering sustainable practices and providing hands-on learning opportunities.

The platform will feature user-friendly tools for ride-matching, scheduling, and safety, with the option to operate as a mobile app, a web-based system, or both, ensuring accessibility and convenience. Implementation activities include proposal approvals, platform development by students, pilot testing, awareness campaigns, and a full launch. The project aims to create a replicable model for other institutions while fostering a sustainable, engaged campus community.