This semester, Thomas Walsh, a sophomore at Virginia Tech, and his business partner Xavier Kubancik, have been working on an innovative project that aims to transform group transportation and fill the gap left by regular ride-sharing apps. The result of their efforts, DirectDrive Now, is a platform designed to simplify and enhance the experience of organizing and participating in group rides, with a focus on safety and reliability.

Walsh recently shared his excitement about the project’s progress and the challenges they’ve overcome during their development. He described the idea behind DirectDrive Now as a response to the inefficiencies and safety concerns associated with coordinating group rides, especially in the context of campus life. "Whether it’s coordinating with drivers or ensuring timely pickups, the process often feels chaotic and inefficient. DirectDrive Now aims to change that by introducing a fresh perspective that prioritizes reliability and safety," Walsh wrote.

The team recognized that current systems for managing group rides—such as informal carpooling arrangements or traditional ride-sharing apps—often leave riders and drivers frustrated by miscommunications, delays, and safety concerns. DirectDrive Now seeks  to address these issues by offering a streamlined, tech-driven solution that brings order and predictability to group transportation.

Walsh and Kubancik's platform offers a variety of features designed to enhance the user experience. These include real-time tracking of rides and seamless coordination between passengers and drivers. Additionally, improved safety measures have been added to ensure every ride is as efficient and safe as possible for students to have peace of mind on a night out.

For Walsh, the journey of developing DirectDrive Now has been both challenging and rewarding. "This project has really pushed me to think critically about how we approach a common problem amongst the student community. It’s about more than just getting people from point A to point B; it’s about creating a safer, smarter way to travel together," he shared.

To bring their vision to life, Walsh and Kubancik have launched a Kickstarter campaign to  gather support and funding for the next phase of the project. The funds will be used to refine the platform, expand its capabilities, and prepare for a broader rollout. The Kickstarter campaign is open until February 9th, 2025 at 11:59pm and will then close. Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing campaign. The team is working hard to hit their target goal of $35,000 by this date and time, or they will receive no funding. Be part of this journey to revolutionize group transportation—your support today can create a safer, smarter tomorrow for everyone!

To learn more about DirectDrive Now and provide support, visit:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thomasbwalsh3/directdrive-now

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