Lucia Probst's research revolves around developing a carpooling app specifically for companies, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, alleviating traffic congestion and improving the quality of the air in urban areas, such as her city, Monterrey, Mexico. Her approach seeks to optimize carpooling routes, enhance user experience, and incentivize sustainable travel behavior. By harnessing real-time data analytics and machine learning algorithms, the application will be able to match commuters with similar travel patterns, who are previously registered with their account associated with the company, thus creating trusted communities with the end goal of reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. In addition, the application will operate with a system of bonuses and rewards to incentivize users.

The app not only addresses environmental concerns by reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, but it also contributes to the well-being of users and communities. By lowering traffic congestion, commuters can experience shorter, more predictable travel times, reducing stress and promoting a healthier work-life balance.

From a social perspective, the app fosters stronger connections among colleagues, creating a sense of community as users build trust by traveling with coworkers. The app enhances the economic benefits through a robust system of incentives, making carpooling financially attractive. Users can earn bonuses and rewards, which further encourage participation while offsetting transportation costs like fuel and vehicle maintenance.

A key feature of the app is its ability to show users the direct environmental impact of their carpooling, such as CO₂ savings and air quality improvements. This transparency motivates users by allowing them to see the tangible benefits of their sustainable choices, reinforcing positive behavior and contributing to long-term engagement.

This project directly aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting efficient transportation systems and Goal 13: Climate Action, by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.