A carpooling app for Victoria (Australia) that helps you go on trips and make friends

Hey everyone! I wanted to share an idea I’ve been thinking about and get your feedback on.

Public transport in Victoria, especially outside of Melbourne, can be super unreliable (trains delayed, buses infrequent, etc). And Uber/private transport is just too expensive for most students, backpackers, and casual workers.

What if there was a social carpooling app built around shared road trips?

The idea: • It’s not just about getting from A to B. • You can post or join trips (e.g. “Heading to the Grampians this weekend – 2 seats available”) • You create a profile with your vibe: music taste, type of trips you’re into (beach days, hikes, festivals), fun facts, etc. • You can chat with others in the trip before confirming. • Drivers get paid a fair fee (to cover petrol and time). • It’s built around making new friends, not just saving money.

Example:

Sasha, an international student in Melbourne, wants to explore Wilsons Prom but doesn’t have a car or know many people yet. She finds a trip on the app posted by someone her age who’s going for the weekend. They chat, connect over music and hiking, and by the end of the trip they’ve made new friends and are already planning the next one.

Who it’s for: • International students • Young adults / backpackers • Locals who love road trips but don’t want to go solo • People who want to explore Victoria but can’t rely on public transport or afford Ubers

Why it’s different: • It’s adventure-driven, not just commute-focused • It’s about friendship, not just ride-sharing • It gives people a reason to explore Victoria together affordably

⸻

Would love to know: • Would you use this? • What would make you feel safe/comfortable using it? • Any features you’d want added?

Open to all feedback — cheers!