| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
An imaginative solution to traffic congestion has won four University of Canterbury students a trip to France and the right to compete in the world Imagine Cup Software Design finals.
Stephen Fitchett, Louis Sayers, Yugan Yugaraja and Janina Voigt beat off competition from three other North Island teams last week to win the final of the New Zealand Microsoft's Imagine Cup.
They now have a chance to win $US15,000 at the world finals in Paris, where they will compete against teams from 50 other countries.
The team was assisted by its academic mentor, lecturer Dr Warwick Irwin (Computer Science and Software Engineering), and industry mentor Mike Darton, a contractor with Clarus.
Operating as Team Phoenix, the four computer science students spent six months developing the Taxibus system, designed to reduce congestion and pollution.
Taxibus is a new form of public transport, combining the convenience of a car with the value for money provided by buses.
Under the system, a person could order a taxibus by sending a text. A minibus would pick up that person and also any other people travelling in the same direction. The journey would take a little longer but be cheaper than a taxi and would reduce vehicle emissions.
“Our project is about cutting the amount of carbon dioxide being pumped into our atmosphere each and every day from cars, while giving people the convenience and accessibility of a car, and saving them money,” Louis told Geekzone.
The team has created a website which allows passengers to book rides and is currently working on a cellphone application. The students hope to trial the system in Riccarton, targeting students and shoppers.
Microsoft New Zealand managing director Kevin Ackhurst praised the students saying their creativity and innovation was inspiring not only to those who might be interested in the future of technology, but to anyone interested in having a positive impact on their community and the world.
For further information please contact:
Communications Manager
University of Canterbury
Phone: (64) 3 364-2260
Email: jeanette.colman@canterbury.ac.nz