Last updated a week ago
We want to solve Accra’s growing traffic congestion caused by private cars and inefficient local transport, by providing a comfortable, affordable, and eco-friendly shared bus platform.
A digital platform connecting commuters to 10–14 seater buses on key routes, reducing traffic, saving time, cutting costs, and offering comfort over trotros and ride-hailing.
Please provide your proposal title
UrbanLink
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
100000
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
9
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
What is the problem you want to solve?
We want to solve Accra’s growing traffic congestion caused by private cars and inefficient local transport, by providing a comfortable, affordable, and eco-friendly shared bus platform.
Supporting links
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
No dependencies
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
License and Additional Information
We will commit to open-source transparency: our MVP will be accessible online, our smart contract code auditable by the community, and regular updates will be published on GitHub and Project Catalyst reporting channels.
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal.
Marketplace
Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).
Our solution tackles a daily urban pain point—traffic and wasted time. By pooling commuters into mid-sized buses, we eliminate multiple cars from roads while integrating Cardano tools for trust: smart contracts automate secure payments, decentralized IDs verify all users, and loyalty tokens reward frequent riders. This blend of transport efficiency and blockchain utility is unique in driving measurable real-world impact.
Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.
Our MVP will demonstrate how commuters can book seats on 10–14 seater buses via a digital platform, confirm payments through smart contracts, and verify boarding with QR codes. It will showcase core features such as designated stops, enforced capacity, and secure identity verification using Cardano’s DID. The prototype will be accessible as a mobile-first web app, with demo rides piloted on high-demand residential-to-commercial routes in Accra for real-world validation.
Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.
1.Active Riders & Trips – number of users and bookings per week/month
2.Commute Time Savings – reduction from 1–3 hrs to shorter, predictable trips
3.Cars Removed / CO₂ Reduced – estimated environmental impact
4.On-Chain Metrics – smart contract bookings & payments volume
5.Verified IDs – drivers and riders onboarded with Cardano DID
6.Token Rewards – issued and redeemed for loyalty/referrals
7.Corporate Partnerships – number of companies enrolled and employees using the service
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Problem Context
Accra, Ghana’s bustling capital, is experiencing worsening traffic congestion that severely affects productivity, quality of life, and the environment. Daily commute times range between 1–3 hours for many workers, despite the city not being geographically large.
The root causes include:
Over-dependence on private cars – Thousands of single-passenger vehicles flood the roads during peak hours, increasing congestion and fuel consumption.
Inefficient local buses (Trotro system) – While affordable, trotros are uncomfortable, unsafe, and inefficient. They often wait excessively for passengers outside designated stops, further clogging roads.
Ride-hailing services – While convenient, services like Uber and Bolt are prohibitively expensive for the average Ghanaian, especially during rush hour. They also increase the number of vehicles on the road, worsening congestion.
The combined effect is lost productivity, increased fuel costs, higher carbon emissions, and significant frustration for commuters. Workers arrive late or stressed, businesses lose valuable time, and Ghana’s economy suffers from billions lost annually to traffic inefficiencies.
Our Solution
Our solution is a blockchain-powered carpooling platform that connects employees traveling to central business districts with scheduled ride-sharing services. The platform allows users to book rides, track schedules, and make payments seamlessly, while integrating Cardano-based rewards to incentivize adoption. This directly addresses the issues of traffic congestion, rising transport costs,high carbon emmission and lack of efficient mobility solutions in Accra.
Importantly, many technological solutions often fail because they are designed without considering the particularities of a place. Through the Prisma-Wada action-learning journey, our team learned how to design with communities rather than for them. This experience inspired the creation of this project, equipping us with the mindset and tools to build technology that fits into existing local systems and truly responds to community needs.
As mentioned, we propose a digital carpool platform that connects commuters to 10–14 seater buses operating on high-demand residential-to-commercial routes in Accra.
Instead of thousands of single-passenger cars, our buses consolidate riders going in the same direction. This means:
--14 passengers in one bus = 14 fewer cars on the road.
--10 such buses = 140+ fewer cars during peak hours.
Corporate adoption ensures rapid uptake, as many car owners work in centralized business districts.
Why Corporate Partnerships?
Corporate workers represent a significant proportion of car owners in Accra. By partnering with companies located in commercial hubs such as Accra Central, Market Circle, and Ridge, and targeting residential hubs like Oyarifa, Adenta, and Madina, we create a natural corridor for efficient pooled transport. Companies benefit from improved employee punctuality, while workers enjoy affordable, comfortable, and predictable rides.
Unique Features
Our platform introduces features designed to solve existing challenges:
--Specific Booking Windows – Passengers pre-book rides, avoiding random pickups that cause delays.
--Post-Confirmation Payments – Riders pay only after a seat is secured.
--Capacity Enforcement – Prevents overcrowding; buses operate only within set seating capacity.
--QR Code Verification – Secure, digital boarding system ensures only verified riders enter the bus.
--One-Way Booking – Initial rollout focuses on one-directional trips (morning and evening commutes).
--Designated Stops – Buses only stop at agreed pickup/drop-off points, eliminating unnecessary delays.
Blockchain Integration (Cardano-Powered)
What sets our solution apart is the integration of Cardano blockchain technology for trust, transparency, and incentives:
--Smart Contracts
Automate secure bookings and payments.
Funds are held in escrow until rides are completed.
Eliminates disputes and ensures accountability.
--Decentralized Identity (DID)
Verifies both drivers and passengers.
Prevents fraud and builds trust between all parties.
--Tokenized Rewards
Loyalty tokens issue for frequent riders and referrals.
Tokens can be redeemed for ride discounts or transferred within the Cardano ecosystem.
--ADA Payments
Low-cost, borderless payments enable Ghanaians and even diaspora supporters to fund rides seamlessly.
By embedding blockchain, we ensure trustless transactions, transparency, and an incentive system that traditional ride-hailing or bus systems lack.
User Journey
A typical rider’s experience would look like this:
--Open the app and input pickup and destination.
--Receive confirmation of seat availability.
--Make payment securely (via ADA, token, or fiat).
--Get a unique QR code for boarding.
--Arrive at the designated bus stop.
--QR code is scanned and verified by the driver before boarding.
--Bus drops passengers at the nearest designated stop.
This ensures a seamless, efficient, and stress-free commute.
Business Model
We will partner with existing transport companies to lease buses for operations. Drivers receive rider payments, while we charge a commission per booking as our revenue source to sustain the project.
Stakeholder Benefits:
--Riders: Affordable, safe, comfortable, and faster commute.
--Corporate Bodies: Improved punctuality, employee satisfaction, CSR through reduced emissions.
--Transport Companies: Additional income streams, optimized fuel use, reduced idle times.
--Society: Reduced congestion, lower emissions, and improved productivity.
Future Updates
Our roadmap includes:
--Scheduled booking for recurring rides.
--Option to book multiple seats.
--Integration of USSD booking for feature phones.
--Expansion to other Ghanaian cities (e.g., Kumasi, Takoradi).
--Long-term scaling into other African cities with similar congestion challenges.
Why This Matters
Traffic is more than an inconvenience—it is an economic and social crisis. By offering a blockchain-powered, affordable, and efficient commuting alternative, our solution:
--Frees up time otherwise lost in traffic.
--Reduces financial strain compared to ride-hailing.
--Cuts carbon emissions by reducing car usage.
--Builds trust with secure and transparent systems.
--Demonstrates blockchain’s real-world utility in addressing urban problems.
This project stands at the intersection of mobility, sustainability, and Web3 innovation, making it not just a transport solution, but a catalyst for change in urban Africa.
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
1.Real-World Adoption of Cardano
One of the biggest challenges for blockchain ecosystems is moving beyond theory and finance into practical, everyday use cases. Our project directly addresses this by embedding Cardano into a core urban challenge that affects millions: transport and mobility.
By enabling secure seat bookings, smart-contract-based payments, DID verification, and tokenized rewards, Cardano becomes the invisible backbone of a daily activity—commuting. This demonstrates to both locals and the global blockchain community that Cardano is not just about DeFi or governance—it can also solve pressing social and economic challenges.
For the Cardano community, this translates into:
--More on-chain activity through transactions tied to mobility.
--A clear, tangible example to showcase in discussions about real-world adoption.
--Increased trust from potential builders, seeing Cardano support socially impactful solutions.
2.Onboarding New Users into the Cardano Ecosystem
Every rider, driver, and corporate partner who uses our platform will interact—directly or indirectly—with Cardano. For many, this will be their first encounter with blockchain technology.
This creates multiple layers of onboarding:
--Commuters – gain exposure to ADA and tokenized rewards, learning to use digital wallets in a low-barrier way.
--Drivers & Transport Operators – see firsthand how smart contracts simplify transactions and reduce disputes.
--Corporate Partners – discover how blockchain can be applied beyond finance, inspiring them to explore Cardano solutions in HR, payroll, or supply chain.
In essence, our platform becomes a gateway to Cardano for hundreds and eventually thousands of people who may not have otherwise engaged with blockchain. This expands the community and grows the adoption base.
3.Demonstrating Blockchain for Social Impact
Cardano has positioned itself as a blockchain for positive change, especially in Africa. Our project strengthens this reputation by delivering measurable social benefits:
--Reduced traffic congestion – fewer cars on the road, shorter commute times.
--Environmental impact – lower carbon emissions from reduced fuel usage.
--Increased productivity – workers spend less time stuck in traffic.
--Economic inclusion – affordable rides compared to high-cost alternatives.
These outcomes align perfectly with Cardano’s vision of using blockchain to empower communities and improve quality of life. The global Cardano community can point to this project as a flagship example of how their ecosystem is creating tangible impact in the Global South.
4.Technical Contributions to Cardano
By building this solution on Cardano, we contribute to the ecosystem’s technical maturity:
--Smart Contracts in Mobility – showcasing real-world deployment of Cardano smart contracts for escrow and automated payments.
--Decentralized Identity (DID) – applying DID for verifying both drivers and passengers, which could inspire other Cardano projects in healthcare, education, and finance.
--Token Utility – designing loyalty tokens that drive adoption, while creating an incentive model that other dApps can replicate.
--On-Chain Data – generating measurable activity (transactions, DID registrations, token transfers) that enriches the blockchain’s dataset.
This creates a blueprint for other Cardano builders, showing how Web3 tools can be integrated into mobility, logistics, and beyond.
5.Expanding Cardano’s Visibility in Africa and Beyond
Africa is a critical growth region for blockchain adoption, and Cardano has already made significant inroads. By anchoring our project in Accra, a city facing real transport challenges, we amplify Cardano’s visibility as the blockchain that is actually solving problems on the ground.
--Media and Publicity: Our initiative will be covered in local and possibly international media, highlighting Cardano’s role.
--Community Engagement: Each bus, each QR code scan, and each corporate partnership introduces Cardano branding to new audiences.
--Diaspora Connections: With ADA payments enabled, Ghanaians abroad can support local mobility directly, creating a global loop of engagement.
This visibility strengthens Cardano’s brand and positions it as the blockchain of choice for African innovation.
6.Scalability & Replication Across Cities
Traffic congestion is not unique to Accra—it is a major challenge in cities like Kumasi, Lagos, Nairobi, and Kampala. Once proven, our model can be scaled and replicated across these regions.
For the Cardano community, this means:
--Exponential adoption growth as new cities and users come onboard.
--Network effect – more on-chain activity, more DID registrations, more token use.
--Global case study – the Cardano ecosystem can showcase our project internationally as proof of sustainable, blockchain-powered mobility.
This scalability ensures that the Cardano community’s investment in this project will yield long-term, compounding impact.
7.Community Collaboration Opportunities
Our project also creates pathways for collaboration within the Cardano ecosystem:
--Other dApps can integrate with our token economy (e.g., allow tokens to be redeemed in their platforms).
--Developers working on DID can test and refine solutions in our real-world use case.
--Environmental initiatives within Cardano can leverage our CO₂ reduction data.
--Governance tools can be explored for community-led decision-making (e.g., route selection, pricing models).
This cross-pollination strengthens the Cardano ecosystem and keeps it dynamic.
What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?
Our team has a proven track record of successfully designing, coordinating, and delivering blockchain-based projects under Project Catalyst, including the Empowering Ghanaian Youth through Cardano Blockchain Technology initiative, which organized three regional activation conferences in Accra, Sunyani, and Cape Coast. The project was funded, executed, and completed on time, with transparent reporting and measurable results. This demonstrated our ability to manage funding responsibly, deliver outcomes, and maintain accountability to the Cardano community.
In addition, we have direct experience in project management, business development, and technology adoption. Members of our team have worked with the Wada Catalyst Oracle Project, and Intersect workshops, all requiring stakeholder management, milestone tracking, and open communication with the community. These roles highlight our ability to handle resources effectively, build partnerships, and implement structured project frameworks.
On the technical side, we are collaborating with developers experienced in Cardano smart contracts, DID solutions, and Web3 integrations, ensuring that the MVP aligns with Cardano’s infrastructure and standards. We will adopt an agile project management approach, breaking the project into milestones (design, MVP build, pilot testing, full-scale implementation), each with specific deliverables and transparent reports.
We also commit to open-source transparency: our MVP will be accessible online, our smart contract code auditable by the community, and regular updates will be published on GitHub and Project Catalyst reporting channels.
Milestone Title
Platform Architecture, API Documentation, and UI Wireframe
Milestone Outputs
1.Develop the platform architecture with emphasis on backend infrastructure, leveraging FastAPI or Django Rest Framework for scalability and performance.
2.Produce comprehensive API documentation to define interactions between backend services, the Cardano blockchain, and the user-facing application.
3.Design detailed UI wireframes in Figma, illustrating:
--Trip creation and scheduling workflows
--Booking and payment interface layouts
--Integration pathways for Decentralized Identity (DID)
Acceptance Criteria
1.Completed backend infrastructure blueprint, fully defined and optimized for scalability and performance.
2.Documented API specifications outlining integration workflows with the Cardano blockchain and backend services.
3.Approved UI wireframes that clearly depict core features, validated for accuracy and readiness for development.
Evidence of Completion
1.Published architecture and API documentation accessible via GitHub or shared public links.
2.Comprehensive developer requirements sheet outlining all features to be implemented.
3.Completed Figma wireframes (or shareable links) showcasing UI designs for trip creation, booking flows, and DID integration.
Delivery Month
2
Cost
17000
Progress
20 %
Milestone Title
Smart Contract Development and Testing
Milestone Outputs
1.Build and deploy smart contracts to handle:
• Trip booking management
• Payment escrow mechanisms
• Verification of trip completion agreements between drivers and passengers
2.Execute thorough unit testing on all smart contracts to confirm accuracy and reliability.
3.Conduct internal peer reviews to assess the security, robustness, and overall efficiency of the smart contracts.
Acceptance Criteria
1.Deployment of smart contracts on the Cardano testnet utilizing tADA for validation and testing.
2.Completion of unit testing with all tests confirming the functional correctness and reliability of the smart contracts.
3.Documented peer review reports demonstrating how the smart contracts align with the project’s technical specifications and security standards.
Evidence of Completion
1.Testnet transaction records demonstrating successful execution of smart contracts for:
· Trip bookings
· Payment escrows
· Trip completions
2.Comprehensive unit test report outlining test cases, methodologies, and results.
3.Peer review documentation capturing feedback, recommended changes, and implemented enhancements.
Delivery Month
4
Cost
28000
Progress
40 %
Milestone Title
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Development
Milestone Outputs
1.Develop the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) integrating:
• Smart contracts for trip bookings, payment escrows, and trip completion.
• Decentralized Identity (DID) for secure user authentication.
• A blockchain-enabled reputation system to record and display user feedback.
2.Design and build user interfaces (UIs) for both web and mobile dApps, featuring:
• Trip creation and scheduling for drivers.
• Trip browsing and booking for passengers.
• Payment processing with tADA for testing.
3.Execute internal testing of the MVP to validate functionality, usability, and seamless integration across web and mobile platforms.
Acceptance Criteria
1.Deployment of a publicly accessible MVP on the Cardano testnet, enabling:
• Drivers to create and manage trips via both web and mobile dApps.
• Passengers to browse, book trips, and process payments using tADA across platforms.
• Users to submit feedback, integrated into a blockchain-powered reputation system.
2.Documented results of internal testing, confirming the MVP’s functionality, reliability, and smooth user experience across web and mobile applications.
Evidence of Completion
1.Access to the deployed MVP on the Cardano testnet (web and mobile dApp versions), including:
• Screenshots or video demonstrations of trip creation, booking flows, and payment processing.
• Showcases of the reputation system in action.
2.Comprehensive internal testing documentation, outlining:
• Test scenarios executed, results achieved, and issues resolved for both web and mobile interfaces.
• Tester feedback validating usability, performance, and overall user experience across platforms.
Delivery Month
6
Cost
30000
Progress
60 %
Milestone Title
Pilot Testing and User Feedback
Milestone Outputs
1.Deploy the MVP in a controlled pilot program, enabling real ADA transactions within a targeted community.
2.Onboard a minimum of 100 active participants—including both drivers and passengers—to engage with the platform during the pilot phase.
3.Gather structured user feedback on:
• Usability of the platform across both web and mobile dApps.
• Reliability and ease of use of the payment system.
• Effectiveness of the reputation system.
Evaluate system performance under real-world conditions, focusing on transaction success rates, platform stability, and user engagement metrics.
Acceptance Criteria
1.A minimum of 100 riders successfully booked and completed on the platform during the pilot phase using ADA.
2.Pilot launch event executed successfully, with photos and videos documenting participant engagement and live platform demonstrations.
3.Feedback gathered from at least 75% of participants, capturing insights on:
• Platform usability
• Payment processing experience
• Reputation system functionality
• Overall user satisfaction
4.Performance benchmarks achieved, including transaction success rates of 95% or higher, average booking times of under 5 minutes system downtime kept to below 1%
Evidence of Completion
1.User Feedback Reports – uploaded to Google Drive and shared with assessors and the community, including:
• Survey and interview results from participants
• Insights on usability, payment processing, and reputation system functionality
2.Analytics Reports – uploaded to Google Drive and shared with assessors and the community, covering:
• Transaction logs (e.g., successful bookings and ADA payments)
• System performance metrics such as uptime, error rates, and user engagement
3.Launch Event Media – photos and videos uploaded to Google Drive/YouTube and shared with assessors and the community, highlighting:
• Participant involvement
• Live platform demonstrations for trip creation, booking, and payments
4.Platform Demonstration Content – screenshots and videos uploaded to Google Drive/YouTube and shared with assessors and the community, showcasing:
• Active usage of the platform (trip creation, booking, and ADA payments) on both web and mobile dApps
• Participant interactions with the reputation system
Delivery Month
7
Cost
10000
Progress
80 %
Milestone Title
Closeout, Launch and Expansion
Milestone Outputs
1.Extend the platform’s reach by increasing the number rides thereby growing the user base.
2.Introduce an incentive system leveraging ADA tokens to encourage active participation, repeat usage, and long-term retention.
3.Enhance functionality and user experience by incorporating insights from pilot-phase feedback and performance analytics.
4.Execute a targeted marketing drive to increase visibility, educate potential users, and accelerate adoption of the platform.
5.Final Close-Out Report
6.Final Close-Out Video
Acceptance Criteria
1.The platform expansion achieves at least a 50% increase in active users and completed trips compared to the pilot phase.
2.A fully functional loyalty and rewards system is integrated, allowing users to earn and redeem ADA tokens.
3.Pilot phase feedback is implemented, with key usability and performance issues successfully resolved.
4.The promotional campaign drives adoption, leading to higher user registrations and increased platform activity.
5.A final close-out report is prepared and published for the community.
6.A final close-out video is released to highlight the project’s outcomes and impact.
The Project Completion Report (PCR) and Project Completion Video (PCV) are uploaded to Google Drive for assessors and the community.
The PCV is also shared on YouTube to reach a wider audience.
Evidence of Completion
Analytics Reports
~Evidence of a 50% increase in active riders and completed trips compared to the pilot phase.
~Data on new user registration trends and user activity following the expansion.
Transaction Logs
~Records showcasing the use of the loyalty and rewards system.
~Details of ADA tokens earned and redeemed by users.
Platform Documentation
~Reports on updates, including bug fixes and performance optimizations based on pilot feedback.
Promotional Campaign Reports
~Marketing assets such as social media posts, advertisements, and outreach materials.
~Metrics on campaign performance, including impressions, engagement, and click-through rates.
Final Deliverables
~Closeout report: Available on Google Drive.
~Closeout video: Available on Google Drive and YouTube.
Delivery Month
9
Cost
15000
Progress
100 %
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Budget Breakdown (100,000 ADA)
Milestone 1 – Platform Architecture, API Documentation, and UI Wireframes (17,000 ADA)
Backend architecture & database design
API design & documentation
UI/UX wireframes & design prototypes
Project management & coordination
Milestone 2 – Smart Contract Development and Testing (28,000 ADA)
Smart contract coding (ride booking, payments, loyalty rewards)
Security auditing & bug fixes
QA & automated testing
Documentation & technical review
Milestone 3 – Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Development(30,000 ADA)
Frontend development (mobile/web app)
Backend development and API integration
Blockchain integration (wallets, ADA transactions)
DevOps & cloud infrastructure setup
Project coordination & contingency
Milestone 4 – Pilot Testing and User Feedback (10,000 ADA)
User onboarding & community incentives
Testing logistics (transport, monitoring tools)
Data collection & analysis
Customer support & bug resolution
Milestone 5 – Closeout, Launch, and Expansion (15,000 ADA)
Marketing & promotional campaign
Loyalty & rewards activation
Final platform optimizations
Closeout reporting (documents, video, analytics)
Expansion roadmap design
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
1.Driving Real-World Utility for ADA
The app directly integrates ADA payments for ride booking and loyalty rewards.
This creates daily, repeatable transactions, expanding ADA’s use beyond investment into everyday commerce.
2.Sustainable Onboarding of New Users
By solving a real, everyday problem (transportation in Accra), the project becomes a gateway for non-crypto natives.
Each passenger onboarded is a new ADA wallet holder, creating grassroots adoption.
3.Transparency and Trust in Budget Use
Funds are split across technical development (75%), user adoption & testing (15%), and ecosystem expansion (10%).
Majority of the money goes into building infrastructure (smart contracts, MVP, integration), not just events or overhead.
This ensures tangible, lasting value remains in the ecosystem after the project closes.
4.High ROI (Return on Investment) for the Ecosystem
With 100,000 ADA, Cardano gains:
--A tested mobility platform showcasing ADA’s utility.
--Onboarded students & workers as first adopters.
--Scalable architecture that can expand across Ghana and Africa.
--Even if adoption starts with hundreds of daily transactions, that compounds into thousands of ADA transactions monthly.
5.Alignment with Cardano’s Long-Term Goals
--Supports financial inclusion in emerging markets.
--Demonstrates how blockchain can power real-world dApps (not just DeFi).
--Provides a blueprint for future Web3 mobility or sharing-economy apps in the ecosystem.
Terms and Conditions:
Yes
1.Project Manager / Product Owner
Oversees planning, timelines, and milestones.
Manages coordination between departments.
Ensures project scope aligns with objectives.
2.Lead Software Engineer / Full-Stack Developer
Builds and maintains the app (backend + frontend).
Implements booking, payments, and trip-tracking features.
3.Blockchain Developer
Integrates ADA token reward system.
Manages smart contracts for loyalty & rewards.
4.UI/UX Designer
Designs user-friendly interface for riders and drivers.
Works on mobile-first layouts and usability.
3.Operations & Community Manager
Manages the day-to-day operations, including user testing, feedback collection, and user onboarding
Leads community engagement, marketing, and outreach efforts to promote the platform within Ghana and ensure strong user adoption.
Oversees partnerships and collaborations with local entities to ensure the platform's successful integration into the local economy.