Desenvolvimento de um aplicativo móvel de rastreamento de transportes para os utentes do MetroBus

Abstract

This work, entitled Development of a Mobile Application for Transport Tracking for MetroBus Users, is situated within the context of urban mobility in the city and province of Maputo, Mozambique, where public transportation plays a fundamental role in socioeconomic development but faces structural and technological limitations. The main problem identified in the MetroBus system is related to long waiting times at stops, schedule inconsistencies, and the lack of real-time information on vehicle locations, as the current system relies on static timetables that do not account for delays caused by traffic congestion, poor road conditions, or unexpected route deviations, resulting in user dissatisfaction. In this context, the main objective of this work was to develop a mobile transport tracking application that allows MetroBus users to monitor, in real time, vehicle locations, routes, stops, and estimated arrival times, thereby contributing to improved urban mobility. A qualitative methodology was adopted, with an applied and exploratory research approach, using documentary and bibliographic research, online questionnaires administered to users and managers, and the development of a prototype using React Native for the frontend, Node.js for the backend, and MongoDB as the database. The results include a functional prototype capable of real time vehicle tracking, visualization of routes and stops on a map, estimation of arrival times, location sharing by drivers, and additional features such as announcements and user comments. It is concluded that the proposed solution has the potential to improve MetroBus operational efficiency, increase user convenience and satisfaction, and contribute to more sustainable and efficient urban mobility in Maputo.