SyncRide wins Rep. Laura Friedman’s 2025 Congressional App Challenge in California’s 30th District

When asked what inspired the creation of SyncRide, the students said, “When we first came up with the idea for our app, we thought about how inconvenient it often is to find rides to events, especially concerts or activities that are far away. We realized that a lot of people probably face the same problem of wanting to go somewhere but not wanting to spend too much money on transportation or deal with the stress of coordinating rides. That’s when we thought, what if there is a way to connect with others who are already planning to go to the same event? Not only would this make things easier and cheaper, but it could also help people meet others who share similar interests.

“By allowing people to carpool instead of taking separate cars or booking multiple rides, the app encourages sustainability and helps cut down on carbon emissions. We also wanted the app to have a social side that doesn’t just make transportation easier, but also strengthens connections. Whether you’re attending a concert, sports game, or festival, doing it with the people you know and love can strengthen bonds.

“What inspired us the most was the idea of solving a real-life problem that we personally experience while also making a positive environmental impact. Transportation is one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions, so even small changes, like a few more people choosing to share rides, can make a big difference over time. This app brings together convenience, sustainability, and community, which we think are all important values for the future.”